New Delhi: Letter diplomacy, and even exchanging shawls and saris as gifts across the border is all good, but for peaceful and cordial relations between India and Pakistan, and thereby resumption of talks, "peace and tranquility" on the border is the highest precondition, says India.
On a day when Pakistani troops violated the ceasefire on the Line of Control, firing at Indian positions across the border, Indian Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh said "peace and tranquillity on the border is of the highest necessity" in establishing peaceful and cordial relations between the two and "would always remain the case".
Her remarks came even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a reply to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's note saying he is looking forward to working closely with him and his government "in an atmosphere free from confrontation and violence in order to chart a new course in our bilateral relations".
In the letter Prime Minister Modi thanked Sharif for his participation in the swearing-in ceremony of his government on May 26 and also "for the sari that you sent for my mother, a gesture that she has deeply appreciated".
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Here is the full text of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's letter to Pakistan counterpart Nawaz Sharif.
Dear Mian Sahib,
I thank you for your letter of 2, June, 2014 and the positive sentiments that you have expressed about your visit to India last month.
I was particularly delighted and honoured by your participation in the ceremony for the swearing in of the new government. Your presence and that of other leaders from our region not only added a special sheen to the event, but also a celebration of the strength of democracy in our region and a reflection of our collective hopes and shared destinies.
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 cooperation would unleash enormous opportunities for our youth, secure a more prosperous future for our people and accelerate progress across our region. I look forward therefore to working closely with you and your Government in an atmosphere free from confrontation and violence in order to chart a new course in our bilateral relations.
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.
I thank you once again for the sari that you sent for my mother, a gesture that she has deeply appreciated.
