PM Modi calls up Sharif, extends Ramzan wishes; says will release Pak fishermen

New Delhi, Jun 16: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today called up his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif and extended best wishes on the occasion of Ramzan while stressing the need for having "peaceful" and "friendly" bilateral ties amid a war of words between the two countries.

In his telephonic conversation, Modi also conveyed to Sharif India's decision to release detained Pakistani fishermen on the "pious" occasion of Ramzan.

"He reiterated to Prime Minister Sharif his message of peaceful, friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries," said an official release.

Pakistan and India have been involved in a war of words recently with leaders from both sides exchanging sharp comments after Modi's critical remarks about Pakistan during his Dhaka visit and in the wake of India's military action in Myanmar.

Modi also spoke to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani. "He conveyed the good wishes for the holy month of Ramadan to them and their people.

He expressed hope for peace, tranquility and harmony in their countries and in the region during this month of piety and prayers," said the release.

Spoke to President @ashrafghani, PM Sheikh Hasina & PM Nawaz Sharif to extend my best wishes at the start of holy Ramadan on June 18.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 16, 2015

Also conveyed to PM Sharif our decision to release detained Pakistani fishermen on this pious occasion.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 16, 2015

The fishermen released will be able to be with their families to observe this blessed month.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 16, 2015

In his conversation with Hasina, Modi thanked her for his "successful visit" to Bangladesh and the "extraordinary hospitality, friendship and goodwill that he received from the people and government of the country.

He expressed confidence that the visit has set the stage for a new era in bilateral cooperation and regional partnership between the two countries.

The Prime Minister assured President Ghani of India's "steadfast commitment" to support Afghanistan in its efforts to build a peaceful, stable, secure and prosperous nation.

"Also conveyed to PM Sharif our decision to release detained Pakistani fishermen on this pious occasion," Modi later tweeted about his conversation with Sharif.

"The fishermen released will be able to be with their families to observe this blessed month," he said in another tweet.

PTI