Nawaz Sharif's decision augurs well for Indo-Pak ties: Lord Swraj Paul

LONDON: Welcoming Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's decision to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi, Lord Swraj Paul today said it augurs well for good neigbourly relations and peace in the subcontinent.

All Indians and Pakistanis everywhere as well as their well-wishers are delighted that Sharif will be present on this delightful occasion. Modi took a bold step in inviting Sharif whose response also is an excellent gesture, said Paul, the leading NRI industrials.

Hopefully the two leaders will establish a good rapport and build on that to resolve bilateral issues, the Chairman of the London-based Caparo Group said.

Prime Minister Sharif will travel to India on Monday to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Modi.

Modi has invited all the leaders of member states of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) to the ceremony.

Other key SAARC leaders, Sri Lankan President President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai, Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Nepal Prime Minister Sushil Koirala and Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom have confirmed that they will attend the ceremony.