AMN / NEW DELHI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi told his Pakistani counterpart, Imran Khan, that creating trust and an environment free of violence and terrorism is essential for fostering peace and prosperity in the region.
External Affairs Ministry said, it was Mr Khan who called up Mr Modi to congratulate him on his re-election.
The MEA said, Mr Modi thanked Pakistan Prime Minister for his telephone call and greetings.
Recalling his initiatives in line with his government’s neighbourhood first policy, Mr Modi referred to his earlier suggestion to Mr Khan to fight poverty jointly.
Mr Modi also received telephone calls from the former president of the Maldives Mohamed Nasheed and former prime minister of Nepal Madhav Nepal on his poll victory. Former Maldivian president congratulated Mr Modi on the historic mandate and noted that the relationship between the Maldives and India had deepened in recent times.
Mr Nasheed stressed the importance of close cooperation to fight the forces of extremism and radicalisation in the region.
On his part, Mr Modi thanked Mr Nasheed for his felicitation and reiterated his commitment to continue fostering a strong, mutually beneficial and all-round partnership between the two countries.
The MEA said Mr Madhav Nepal warmly congratulated Mr Modi on leading his party and alliance to a grand, historic and landslide poll victory.
Mr Nepal also expressed the confidence that India’s emergence as a front-ranking world power would qualitatively uplift the entire region.