Inviting Nawaz Sharif for Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony a positive move: Abdul Basit

Defying naysayers and hardliners at home, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has attempted to be part of history by accepting PM designate Narendra Modi’s invite to attend swearing in ceremony on May 26. It was a bold move that Sharif decided to reciprocate to launch a new chapter in bilateral ties that has been fraught in past by series of differences. Amid his extremely busy schedule as he prepares for the high profile visit Pakistan High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit took out time to speak to ET on the development that caught everyone by surprise.

Were you surprised by invite to PM Nawaz Sharif by Indian PM designate Narendra Modi for the swearing in ceremony?

Abdul Basit: It was a positive move and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif responded positively.

What are expectations from PM Sharif’s visit? Where does relation go from here?

Abdul Basit: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has been invited to attend the oath taking ceremony. The two Prime Ministers will also have a bilateral meeting. This will be their first interaction. Let us not pre-empt our leaders.

Will any new initiative be launched in next few months to further improve relations?

Abdul Basit: As I said earlier, let us be positive and constructive.

What is progress in granting Most Favoured Nation status to India to boost trade ties ?

Abdul Basit: We will cross the bridge when we are there.