NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi writes to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on National Day of Pakistan. He states that India desires cordial relations with Pakistan.
While extending his greetings to his counterpart and the people of Pakistan on the occasion, PM Modi wrote, "As a neighbouring country, India desires cordial relations with the people of Pakistan. For this, an environment of trust, devoid of terror and hostility, is imperative."
He further conveyed his best wishes during the pandemic to the people of Pakistan in coping with the Covid-19 pandemic.
"At this difficult time for humanity, I would like to convey my best wishes to you and the people of Pakistan for dealing with the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic," PM Modi wrote.
As per reports, it is a routine letter sent every year.
Pakistan celebrates its National Day on March 23 to commemorate the Lahore Resolution passed on 23 March 1940, and the adoption of the first constitution of Pakistan during the transition of the Dominion of Pakistan to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on 23 March 1956 making Pakistan the world's first Islamic republic. A Republic Day parade by the armed forces is often part of the celebrations.
Three days back PM Modi also conveyed his best wishes after Khan tested positive for Covid-19. "Best wishes to Prime Minister @ImranKhanPTI for a speedy recovery from Covid-19," he tweeted.
Earlier on March 15, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla in a session organized by the public policy body Ananta Aspen Centre stated that India wants to develop good neighbourly ties with Pakistan and is committed to resolving issues through meaningful dialogue, if any, bilaterally and peacefully which can be held in a conducive atmosphere. He further laid the onus is on Islamabad to create such an atmosphere.
The relations between the neighbouring countries faced a setback after India withdrew the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the state into two union territories in 2019.