The Indian government has reciprocated to Pakistan’s positive stance, showing willingness to initiate talks between both countries, a source in the Foreign Office (FO) said. This was communicated in letters by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar to their Pakistani counterparts.

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Imran Khan, in a letter written to felicitate Modi on assuming office for a second term and renewed Pakistan’s offer to hold dialogue with India.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had also written a letter to the newly appointed Jaishankar and congratulated him on assuming office.

According to the Foreign Office source, the letters were received by Pakistan through diplomatic channels on Tuesday.

In their response, Modi and Jaishankar wrote about comprehensive and fresh talks between India and Pakistan. They said that India desires normal and cooperative relations with all neighbours, including Pakistan, adding that it has always preferred progress and peace of the people, said the source.

According to a statement by the Indian External Affairs Ministry, Modi said “it is important to build an environment of trust, free of terror, violence and hostility”. The minister also emphasised the need for an “atmosphere free from the shadow of terror and violence”.

The sentiments from Pakistan “were also appreciated in the letters”, said the source.

Sources further added that an Indian delegation comprising top-notch young Indian businessmen will head to Pakistan in July “to improve the relationship” between both nations.