Rashid Alvi backs Narendra Modi's invite to Nawaz Sharif

NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rashid Alvi on Sunday backed Narendra Modi's invite to heads of Saarc countries, including Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif, saying dialogue was the only way forward to solve problems.

"This is a very good step taken by Narendra Modi to invite all heads of Saarc countries. This is a positive step but, at the same time, Modi should talk tough with Nawaz Sharif regarding terrorism and Dawood Ibrahim," Alvi, a former Rajya Sabha MP and a former spokesperson of the party, said.
He added that Modi should be very careful as the people of India did not want another Kargil. "I appreciate his step. He has followed our own government's policies. Dialogue is the only way to solve the problem," he said. Reactions in Congress varied from caution to commendation on Modi's invitation to Sharif to attend his oath-taking ceremony.

Congress spokesman Shakeel Ahmed had said photo opportunities were okay but in the "euphoria of coronation", Modi should not compromise national interest. He had argued that the atmosphere was not conducive to engage Pakistan.