Abdullah applauds Modi's move to invite Sharif for PM oath ceremony

Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi's move to invite Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and other SAARC leaders for his oath-taking ceremony has been welcomed and praised by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

"When in opposition, (the BJP) had condemned Manmohan Singh's relations with Pakistan during his rule. It is a good thing that now, when in government, they want to change their policy. Talks between the neighbours should commence and we hope that these talks reach a positive outcome," said Abdullah.

Nawaz Sharif is on the guest list of leaders from the eight-member regional grouping invited to attend Modi's swearing next Monday in a move to strengthen crippled ties with many of country's neighbours.

"The Prime Minister-designate Shri Narendra Modi himself has desired that all heads of government or their representatives be invited for the swearing-in ceremony of the new government on the 26th. This peaceful transformation of power in the world's largest democracy is a lead-in opportunity for India to showcase the strength of its democracy to the world," said BJP leader, Arun Jaitley.

Even if Sharif is not able to mark his presence, the new administration in New Delhi is signalling its wish to re-engage with the neighbour as it will help ease relations with the country, analysts said.

"In the event that Mr. Nawaz Sharif from Pakistan is also able to come, I think the fallout will be very positive. There is a clear political dimension, there is a diplomatic dimension and I would say there is a domestic political context. Because for the first time you will see that SAARC is getting content. Because one of the criticisms about SAARC has been that since inception, no Indian Prime Minister has really invested in SAARC," said Uday Bhaskar, an influential political analyst.

If the Pakistani Prime Minister were to attend the planned ceremony in the forecourt of the presidential mansion, the event would be a first in the history of the nuclear-armed rivals, who have fought three wars since independence in 1947.

It was not immediately clear if Sharif would accept. Analysts say the visit would be politically difficult.

However, the Congress suggests that the step by Modi is nothing extraordinary as it is normal for any incoming party to do so.

"This is a tradition that whenever a new government is to be formed, it invites neighbouring and SAARC countries. Any new government which comes in does it. This is nothing new," said Congress leader, Shobha Ojha.

Sharif is known to have faced resistance from hardliners at home, notably within the armed forces, over his more dovish stance toward India.

If Sharif does not attend the ceremony, he might send a representative instead.