Relationship will improve when Pakistan takes strong action against terror: PM Modi replies to Imran Khan's letter

 PM Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar have responded to congratulatory letters by Pakistan PM Imran Khan and Pakistani Foreign Minister SM Qureshi in which India has called Islamabad to create an environment free of terror. Pakistani PM and FM had congratulated PM and EAM on taking charge. 

In his message, PM Modi said, "It is important to build an environment of trust, free of terror, violence and hostility."  EAM Jaishankar emphasized the need for an 'atmosphere free from the shadow of terror and violence'.

According to the Ministry of external affairs, the Indian response is as per established diplomatic practice and the India side highlighted that New Delhi "seeks normal and cooperative relations with all neighbours, including Pakistan."

Earlier, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan in a letter to his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi said Islamabad wants talks with New Delhi to resolve all differences, including on the Kashmir issue.

Both the two leaders were part of the SCO summit, but except courtesy exchange of pleasantries, there were no meetings or pull-out talks between the two Prime Ministers. 

Tensions between the two countries worsened after the Pulwama terror attack and both the countries were almost on the brink of a war after India's military planes struck a terrorist training camp in Pakistan's Balakot on February 26 and Pakistan carried out a counter-offensive the next day. On May 26, breaking the ice in bilateral ties, Khan spoke to Modi congratulating him on the massive electoral victory in the general elections and expressing his desire to work with him towards the advancing the objective of peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia.

Modi on his part called for creating trust and an environment free of violence and terrorism for fostering peace and prosperity in the region.

With agency inputs