A meeting between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi was held in Russia on the sidelines of the regional Summit.
During the meeting in Ufa’s Congress Hall, which lasted for 50 minutes, the two counterparts discussed matters of mutual interest.
According to reports, adviser to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and Special Assistant to PM on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi were also present at the meeting.
Meanwhile, speaking to Express News, information minister for Pakistan Pervez Rashid said deliberations between Nawaz and Modi can range on to all subjects impeding bilateral ties and growth.
“Pakistan’s principal stance to initiate the dialogue and work for peace was hailed by the international community,” he said.
In recent weeks, the meeting between Nawaz and Modi comes against rising tensions between the two neighbors.
The relations have been strained due to a series of controversial statements by the top Indian political leadership. Indian Prime Minister Modi, during his visit to Bangladesh, admitted that his country played a part in the break up of Pakistan.
The Indian defense minister threatened to use terrorists to neutralize terrorists, while a junior minister warned Pakistan of ‘surgical strikes.’
The official said the two prime ministers are expected to review the current situation and consider the possibility of some engagement between the two neighbors.
Pakistan, however, is not hopeful of any breakthrough given the track record of the Modi administration, commented another official.
Furthermore, as the two-day Summit kicks off at Ufo this morning, the Prime Minister, during his stay, is also scheduled to attend the outreach meeting of the leaders of BRICS states at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
BRICS is an association of five major emerging economies – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
