Modi Calls and Congratulates Pakistan’s PM-in-Waiting Imran Khan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, 30 July, dialled up Pakistan's Prime Minister-in-waiting Imran Khan and congratulated him on his party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI’s) victory in the recently concluded general elections. In his conversation with Khan, Modi expressed hope that democracy will take deeper roots in Pakistan under the former’s leadership.

The prime minister also reiterated his vision for peace and development in the subcontinent, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Ravish Kumar tweeted.

Khan had, in his maiden address to the nation after winning a majority in the National Assembly, said his government would seek good relations with India and would like leaders of the two countries to sit across the table and resolve all disputes, including the "core issue" of Kashmir.

"If Indian leadership is ready, we are ready to improve relationship. If you take one step, we are ready to take two. Now it is one-sided blame on Pakistan. We have to resolve the main issue through dialogue. This is important for the subcontinent," he said.

However, Khan also alleged that there were human rights violations by security forces. "We are (back to ) square one. We are ready to improve relationship with India. Now it is a one way blame on Pakistan."

He said trade between India and Pakistan can be instrumental in eradicating poverty in the subcontinent, which should be the focus of the two countries.

Khan lamented that the Indian media had projected him as a Bollywood villain. “I am a Pakistani who is most popular in India because I played there. I am a Pakistani who wants friendly relationship with India.”

Khan is expected to be sworn in as the prime minister of Pakistan on 11 August.