Pakistan holds back from congratulating Modi on his third tenure as India's PM, calls it 'premature' talks

Pakistan on Saturday (June 8) said that it wished to forge cordial and "cooperative ties" with all neighbouring countries, which includes India and wishes to resolve disputes through discussions.

Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch made the remarks a day before Narendra Modi is set to take oath as India's prime minister for a third consecutive term.

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) headed by Narendra Modi won 293 seats in the Lok Sabha elections and is now headed to form the government for a record third term.

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When answering the question if Pakistan has congratulated Narendra Modi on winning the elections, Baloch said Indian citizens have the right to decide regarding their leadership.

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"We do not have any comments on their electoral process," Baloch said, further stating that since the new government has not been sworn in officially, it is "premature" to discuss congratulating Modi.

Speaking about Pakistan's ties with India, Baloch said that the country has always tried to resolve all disputes with its neighbouring nation via constructive dialogue.

"Pakistan has always desired cooperative relations with all its neighbours including India. We have consistently advocated constructive dialogue and engagement to resolve all outstanding issues, including the core dispute of Jammu and Kashmir," she added.

India has always shown its desire to share cordial relations with Pakistan while emphasising the onus of creating an environment which is free of terror and hostility lies on Islamabad.

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India's Foreign Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had earlier said that the country "never closed doors to talking to Pakistan" but the terrorism issue needs to be "fair, square at the centre of the conversation".

"We have never closed our doors on talking with Pakistan. The question is what to talk about ... If some guy has that many terrorist camps ... that should be the central part of the conversation," Jaishankar said.

Indian President Droupadi Murmu will administer the oath of office and secrecy to Prime Minister-in-waiting Narendra Modi along with the Union Council of Ministers at 7.15 pm on June 9.

(With inputs from agencies)