ISLAMABAD: Taking forward what is being termed letter diplomacy, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written to premier Nawaz Sharif and expressed his desire to work with the Pakistani leader in “an atmosphere free from confrontation and violence”.

Mr Modi replied on June 11 to a June 2 letter by Prime Minister Sharif in which he had thanked the Indian leader for hospitality during his recent visit to New Delhi. He also expressed desire for working with the Indian prime minister for peace in the region.

“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,” Mr Modi said in the letter.

While the exchange of letters is being seen as helpful for the efforts for resuming talks, Indian emphasis on “atmosphere free from violence” is a longstanding precondition for engagement that requires the government to rein in terrorist groups targeting India.

At their meeting in Delhi last month, both leaders had expressed their desire for resuming the bilateral peace process that has remained suspended since January last year. They had agreed on a meeting of their foreign secretaries for discussions on the way forward in the stalemated ties.

“I was also encouraged by our discussions on our bilateral relations and the convergence in our views, especially on the fact 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,” Mr Modi said.

Diplomats from both sides will begin meetings next week for working out dates for a meeting of the foreign secretaries.

Mr Modi also thanked Mr Sharif “once again for the sari that you sent for my mother, a gesture that she has deeply appreciated”.

Prime Minister Sharif had sent the gift last week, while the Indian prime minister had earlier gifted a shawl for his mother.

Mr Modi also condemned the recent terrorist attack that took place in Karachi.

Published in Dawn, June 14th, 2014