Intenews/Islamabad

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his desire to pursue confrontation-free relations with Pakistan in a letter to his Pakistani counterpart, Nawaz Sharif, officials in Islamabad have said.
Narendra Modi, who was sworn in as the Indian Prime Minister last month, told Nawaz Sharif that his government looks forward to working closely with the Pakistani leadership in an atmosphere free from confrontation and violence, according to the text of letter released to the media in Islamabad by the PM’s office.
Modi’s letter came as a reply to an earlier letter from Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif who had also emphasised improved bilateral relations.
“Relationship between India and Pakistan defined by peace, friendship and co-operation will unleash enormous opportunities for our youth,” Narendra Modi said in reply to Sharif’s June 2nd letter.
“I was also encouraged by our discussions on our bilateral relations and the convergence in our views, especially on the fact that a relationship between India and Pakistan defined by peace, friendship and co-operation would unleash enormous opportunities for our youth, secure a more prosperous future for our people and accelerate progress across our region,” Modi said.
The two leaders called for good ties at a time when Modi’s BJP election victory had raised some concerns in view of his previous stance about Pakistan and the Muslims.
Modi had also invited Nawaz Sharif to his swearing-in ceremony late last month that was also seen as an important step to bury the hatchet of the past. In his letter he also thanked Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for attending his swearing in ceremony in New Delhi.
The Indian prime minister further said peace in the area will also help secure a more prosperous future and accelerate progress across in the region.
Narendra Modi also condemned the terrorists attack on Karachi airport and conveyed his deepest condolences for the loss of innocent lives in this senseless and barbaric attack.
“I also take this opportunity to condemn in the strongest terms the terrorists attack in Karachi and convey my deepest condolences for the loss of innocent lives in this senseless and barbaric attack.” the letter said.