The former Pakistani Prime Minister expresses hope for improved relations with India and a future meeting with PM Modi during an interview prior to the SCO summit in Islamabad

In a hopeful statement, Nawaz Sharif, the President of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and former Prime Minister, expressed optimism about restoring ties between Pakistan and India. His remarks were made during an interview with prominent Indian journalist Barkha Dutt on the eve of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, which Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar is set to attend in Islamabad.

“I have always been a supporter of good relations with India,” Nawaz told Dutt, underscoring his desire for a renewed partnership between the two neighbouring nations. While he declined to appear on camera, his recorded comments resonated with a sentiment of reconciliation. “I hope that there is an opportunity to revive our relationship,” he added, signalling his intention to foster dialogue.

Nawaz noted that it would have been a significant gesture if Prime Minister Modi had chosen to attend the SCO summit in Pakistan. “I do hope that he (Modi) and us will have an opportunity to sit together in the not-so-distant future,” he said, reflecting on the potential for diplomatic engagement during the summit.

In recent years, Nawaz has consistently advocated for the normalisation of Pakistan’s relations with its neighbours, particularly India. In 2023, he articulated the need for improved ties with not only India but also Afghanistan and Iran, while emphasising the importance of maintaining strong relations with China. He recalled the visits of Indian Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 1999 and Narendra Modi in 2015, both of whom came to Pakistan at his invitation. “Did anyone come here before them?” he questioned, highlighting the historical significance of those meetings.

Following Modi’s re-election for a third term, both Nawaz and his brother, current Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, extended their congratulations. Nawaz expressed admiration for Modi’s leadership, stating, “Your party’s success in recent elections reflects the confidence of the people in your leadership.” In a post on X, he further urged, “Let us replace hate with hope and seize the opportunity to shape the destiny of the two billion people of South Asia.”

Modi’s response to their messages was gracious. He thanked PM Shehbaz for his “good wishes” and acknowledged Nawaz, stating, “The people of India have always stood for peace, security, and progressive ideas.” Modi reaffirmed that advancing the well-being and security of both nations would remain a priority.

Historically, Pakistan and India have endured a tumultuous relationship since their partition in 1947. Their ties have been marred by territorial disputes, particularly over the region of Jammu and Kashmir, along with a series of wars and ongoing diplomatic tensions. The two nations continue to experience border skirmishes and mutual suspicions over security concerns, complicating any efforts toward reconciliation.

Despite previous initiatives aimed at peace talks and confidence-building measures, progress has often been hindered by military standoffs and conflicting narratives. This backdrop of tension makes Nawaz’s recent statements all the more significant, as they represent a renewed willingness to engage in dialogue and potentially reshape the future of Pakistan-India relations.

The forthcoming SCO summit could serve as a platform for fostering dialogue between the two countries, and Nawaz’s hopes for a meeting with Modi reflect a desire to break the cycle of animosity that has characterised their interactions for decades. As both leaders navigate their nations’ complex histories and the pressing need for cooperation, the path to improved relations remains fraught with challenges yet ripe with possibilities.