The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has 'dropped by' in Lahore on his way to Delhi from Afghanistan to meet PM Nawaz today. The premier is the first Indian PM to visit Pakistan in 10 years.
This surprise visit comes on PM Nawaz Sharif's birthday, which Modi wished him earlier today via telephone.
Spoke to PM Nawaz Sharif & wished him on his birthday.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 25, 2015
Modi announced this surprise visit on Twitter earlier today.
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
Sushma Swaraj, the Indian Foreign Minister appreciated this effort of Modi's in a Tweet saying that these are the sort of relations that should be maintained with neighbours.
That's like a statesman. Padosi se aise hi rishte hone chahiyen. https://t.co/dM26am9tWf
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) December 25, 2015
Arrangements to greet the Indian PM were made at the Allama Iqbal International Airport where security has been beefed up. Areas surrounding the airport have additional security measures implemented.
However, Modi seems to be getting criticism from his country for this action too. According to NDTV, Congress spokesperson Ajoy Kumar said, "It is unfortunate that we get to know about prime minister's visit through a tweet... India and Pakistan relations are not so good as yet that he stops over there on his way back from another country."
Congress leader Manish Tewari called it an "adventure" by prime minister Modi.
Swaraj told the Indian parliament last week that war is not an option and dialogue is the way forward with Pakistan to fight the ‘shadow of terror'.
This is the first time an Indian Prime Minister has visited Pakistan in the past decade, Modi not only visited the prime minister of Pakistan but also his family. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his Indian counterpart arrived at the former’s residence, Jati Umra, at Raiwind in Lahore.
In a first, both PMs flew together in chopper to Raiwind, home of PM Nawaz Sharif pic.twitter.com/z2JQLjQFB6
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) December 25, 2015
Family matters. PM visits PM Sharif's home in a special gesture, where his grand-daughter's wedding is being held pic.twitter.com/nWj9hQvugy
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) December 25, 2015
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has gifted an Indian dress to granddaughter of Nawaz Sharif, whose marriage ceremony is scheduled for later in the evening.
The last meeting between Modi and Nawaz took place in November on the 21st UN Climate Change Conference in Paris, where the two exchanged pleasantries and had a friendly chat that stirred up the media from both countries.
Indian steel magnate Sajjan Jindal, the brother of former Congress MP Naveen Jindal, who reportedly arranged the secret meeting between Nawaz and Modi in Katmandu is also in Pakistan. “In Lahore to greet PM Nawaz Sharif on his birthday,” Jindal tweeted.
In Lahore to greet PM Navaz Sharif on his birthday. pic.twitter.com/t97nvUIkN4
— Sajjan Jindal (@sajjanjindal59) December 25, 2015
Bilawal also tweeted out
Welcome to Pakistan @narendramodi . Constant engagement is the only way to resolve all outstanding issues.
— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) December 25, 2015 After the surprise visit today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has left for New Delhi, after spending his day with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on his birthday.
He took to twitter and said:
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
He further added about his visit
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
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
