Premature To Wish PM Modi Before Swearing-In Ceremony: Pakistan

Pakistan's today gave a statement on seeking "cordial and cooperative ties" with its neighbors, including India, and wanting to resolve all disputes through talks.

Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, stressed that Pakistan has always advocated for constructive dialogue and engagement to address outstanding issues with India.

"Pakistan has always desired cooperative relations with all its neighbours including India. We have consistently advocated constructive dialogue and engagement to resolve all outstanding issues, including the core dispute of Jammu & Kashmir," Baloch said.

However, she noted that it's premature to discuss congratulating PM Modi until the new government is officially sworn-in.

"We do not have any comments on their electoral process. Since the news government hasn't officially been sworn-in, it is premature to talk about congratulating the Prime Minister," she said.

This comes as PM-designate Narendra Modi prepares to take oath for his third consecutive term, with the NDA securing a majority in the Lok Sabha.

Foreign Affairs Minister S Jaishankar earlier this year, had said that India has been consistent in keeping channels open for dialogue, while emphasising that discussions must prioritise the issue of terrorism.

"We have never closed our doors on talking with Pakistan. The question is what to talk about. If some guy has that many terrorist camps, that should be the central part of the conversation," he said.