ISLAMABAD/NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif telephoned his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on Monday, just before being wheeled in for his heart surgery, Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesman Vikas Swarup tweeted.

"PM @narendramodi receives phone call from PM Nawaz Sharif just before Pak PM is wheeled in for surgery. Wishes him a speedy recovery", Swarup said in the tweet.

Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Friday had confirmed through Twitter that her father will undergo surgery on Tuesday and appealed to the nation to pray for the health and recovery of Nawaz Sharif.

Since then, an influx of support and well wishes have been pouring out on the internet for the premier from notable personalities including Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chief Imran Khan, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto, cricketers Abdul Hafeez and Umar Akmal.

On the international front, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, and British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond too expressed best wishes for Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's successful operation and speedy recovery.

In a tweet posted on Saturday, Modi wished for the premier's "speedy recovery and good health". The Indian premier tagged Maryam Nawaz, daughter of the prime minister, in his Twitter post.

A spokesman for the prime minister had stated earlier the premier was likely to remain hospitalised for at least one week, adding that he would return home only after doctors’ permission.

In the prime minister's absence, all affairs of the state would continue as per the law of the land and Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar would be responsible for managing the routine matters of the government.

The premier's heart condition dates back to 2008.

His visit to London was his second this year. He was also in the British capital in April when he also received medical attention at the Royal Brompton Hospital in Chelsea.