Washington, D.C.: The United States has expressed its readiness to embrace “productive and peaceful talks” between India and Pakistan, emphasizing that the pace, scope, and nature of such discussions should be determined by the two nations themselves.
In a statement, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller reiterated the significance of fostering constructive and peaceful relations between India and Pakistan. “The United States values its relationship with both India and Pakistan, and we want to see them have a productive and peaceful relationship,” Miller emphasized. “We would welcome productive and peaceful talks between India and Pakistan, but the pace, scope, and character of any dialogue is a matter for India and Pakistan to determine.”
India has consistently emphasized that the resumption of talks with Pakistan hinges on the cessation of terrorism, which it asserts is being used to foment instability in the Kashmir region and beyond.
Miller’s remarks came in response to inquiries regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s congratulatory message to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif following the latter’s inauguration earlier in the week.
“So, we, of course, welcome the prime minister’s statement,” Miller affirmed.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his congratulations to counterpart Shehbaz Sharif upon his assumption of office. “Congratulations to Shehbaz Sharif on being sworn in as the Prime Minister of Pakistan,” PM Modi shared on the social media platform X.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the presidential residence Aiwan-e-Sadr, saw President Arif Alvi administering the oath to the 72-year-old Shehbaz. This marks Shehbaz Sharif’s second tenure as prime minister, succeeding his previous term following the ousting of Imran Khan in a no-confidence motion vote in 2022.
However, his return to office has not been without controversy. His party, the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N), along with its leader and his elder brother, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, have faced allegations of colluding with the Pakistani deep state and the Pakistan Army during the recent elections. Despite emerging as the single-largest party, the PML-N’s victory was overshadowed by accusations of electoral irregularities as independent candidates backed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) appeared to secure the majority of seats.
