Pakistan-India relations are so often described as hostile that it is easy to lose track of the few efforts at political engagement. This has been especially true during the tenure of Indian prime minister Narendra Modi. Despite being the leader of the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, which has no love for Pakistan, Modi had invited his counterpart, Nawaz Sharif \u2013 the then prime minister of Pakistan \u2013 to his first inauguration in 2014. That outreach, which lasted almost a year and included an unexpected trip by Modi to attend the wedding of Sharif\u2019s granddaughter in 2015, is long over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Over the last decade, the relationship has hit rock bottom<\/a>. Therefore, it came as no surprise that no Pakistani official was invited for Modi\u2019s third inauguration<\/a>. The current Pakistani prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif<\/a>, posted a perfunctory congratulatory tweet to Modi. He was the only leader of a regional country not extended an invitation by India\u2019s Ministry of External Affairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It was surprising, therefore, that Nawaz Sharif \u2013 Shehbaz\u2019s elder brother and leader of the governing party \u2013 extended a warm message to Modi on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The response from Modi to Nawaz, however, has dampened any expectations of a thaw. To make matters worse, a mass casualty militant attack<\/a> occurred this week in Kashmir. In the past, New Delhi has accused Pakistan of supporting militant groups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Appreciate your message @NawazSharifMNS<\/a>. The people of India have always stood for peace, security and progressive ideas. Advancing the well-being and security of our people shall always remain our priority. https:\/\/t.co\/PKK47YKAog<\/a><\/p>— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 10, 2024<\/a><\/blockquote>