Peace and cooperation will accelerate progress: Modi to Sharif

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written to his Pakistan counterpart Nawaz Sharif, saying he looked forward to charting a "new course" in the bilateral relations in an atmosphere "free from confrontation and violence".

Responding to Sharif's letter of June 2, Modi has said that "a relationship between India and Pakistan defined by peace, friendship and cooperation would unleash enormous opportunities for our youth, secure a more prosperous future for our people and accelerate progress across our region."

He also condemned the terror strike in Karachi earlier this week and conveyed his "deepest condolences" for the loss of innocent lives in this "senseless and barbaric" attack.

Modi said he was encouraged by discussions with Sharif during his visit to Delhi on bilateral relations and the convergence on views.

"I look forward therefore to working closely with you and your Government in an atmosphere free from confrontation and violence in order to chart a new course in our bilateral relations," he said according to text of the letter released by Pakistan today.

Sharif had written to Modi expressing satisfaction over his visit to Delhi for attending the swearing-in of the new government on May 26. The two leaders had then held talks to discuss the future of the bilateral relationship.

He thanked Sharif for attending the oath taking ceremony.

"Your presence and that of other leaders from our region not only added a special sheen to the event, but also a celebration of the strength of democracy in our region and a reflection of our collective hopes and shared destinies," he wrote.

In the letter, Modi also wrote, "I also take this opportunity to condemn in the strongest terms the terrorists attack in Karachi and convey my deepest condolences for the loss of innocent lives in this senseless and barbaric attack."

He thanked Sharif for the letter which he wrote and also for the gift of sari that he sent for his mother, saying it was "a gesture that she has deeply appreciated".