India wants constructive engagement with Pakistan, Modi tells Imran

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written to his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan, congratulating him on taking charge as Pakistan’s 22nd Prime Minister and reaffirming India’s commitment to building good neighbourly relations with Islamabad.

According to informed sources, Modi wrote to Khan on Saturday and expressed New Delhi’s willingness to pursue meaningful and constructive engagement with Pakistan in the interest of peace, stability and the people of the region.

The Prime Minister also conveyed India’s desire to see stronger ties between the two neighbouring countries, while stressing the importance of addressing issues through dialogue and sustained engagement.

Modi said he believed that the smooth transfer of power in Pakistan would further strengthen public confidence in democratic institutions.

The two leaders had earlier spoken by telephone, during which they discussed their shared vision of peace, security and prosperity in the region. Modi recalled that conversation in his message to Khan and reiterated the need for the Indian subcontinent to be free from terrorism and violence.

The outreach came at an important juncture in India-Pakistan relations, with Khan’s election offering a new opportunity for both countries to reassess their ties. However, the relationship remained complicated by long-standing disputes, cross-border terrorism and deep political mistrust.

Modi’s message indicated that India was prepared to engage with the new Pakistani government, but also underlined the broader objective of creating a peaceful and secure environment in South Asia.

For the region, renewed dialogue between New Delhi and Islamabad could have implications well beyond bilateral relations, particularly for trade, regional connectivity, security cooperation and efforts to counter terrorism.