Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Tuesday that India would release detained Pakistani fishermen as a gesture of peace to mark the holy month of Ramzan. Mr. Modi conveyed this over phone to his counterpart in Islamabad, Nawaz Sharif.
Mr. Modi, who called Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Mr. Sharif to convey his wishes for Ramzan, which begins on Thursday, has reached out to these SAARC leaders, reiterating India’s commitment to peace in the region.
There was, however, no mention of the Prime Minister having spoken to Maldives President Abdulla Yameen.
Mr. Modi tweeted about India’s decision to release the fishermen: “Also conveyed to PM Sharif our decision to release detained Pakistani fishermen on this pious occasion ... The fishermen released will be able to be with their families to observe this blessed month.”
The gesture comes barely a week after the two countries were engaged in a war of words, over India’s decision to deny a visa to an official deputed to the Pakistani High Commission in Delhi.
Tensions had escalated after the Indian Army carried out an attack close to the Myanmar border on June 9, targeting militants involved in the Manipur ambush.
Earlier, India expressed concern over Pakistan’s decision to hold elections in its occupied regions of Baltistan and Gilgit and over its refusal to grant visa to yoga instructors who were to participate in the Yoga Day celebration in Islamabad on June 21.
