Indian premier Narendra Modi made a surprise visit to Pakistan on Friday on his way back to New Delhi from Kabul.
The premier came to Lahore where he was received by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and other Pakistani officials.
“Mr. Modi called PM Nawaz and expressed his desire to visit Pakistan on his way back from Kabul,” foreign secretary Aizaz Chaudhry told media in a briefing.
He said that it was a goodwill visit and the two sides decided to understand each other’s reservations and restart the comprehensive dialogue in a positive manner.
His visit was brief and he flew back on the same day. Modi and Nawaz also held a brief meeting at the PM’s Raiwind residence.
Earlier in the day Modi tweeted that he will be visiting Pakistan on his way back to Delhi.
Looking forward to meeting PM Nawaz Sharif in Lahore today afternoon, where I will drop by on my way back to Delhi.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 25, 2015
Spent a warm evening with Sharif family at their family home. Nawaz Sahab’s birthday & granddaughter’s marriage made it a double celebration
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 25, 2015
Am personally touched by Nawaz Sharif Sahab ‘s gesture of welcoming me at Lahore airport and coming to the airport when I left.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 25, 2015
Nawaz Sharif Sahab’s affection towards Atal ji is very touching. He recalled their interactions & asked me to convey his regards to Atal ji.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 25, 2015