Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived here on Friday evening on a surprise visit from Kabul for talks with his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif.
Modi and Sharif warmly embraced one another as he got off the Indian Air Force plane and extended birthday greetings to the Pakistani leader at the Allama Iqbal International Airport.
Sharif's brother and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Pakistani Finance Minister Ishaq Dar were in the receiving party. The Indian envoy, T.C.A. Raghavan, was also present.
Modi, who had spoken to Sharif earlier in the day from Kabul and wished him birthday greetings, is heading a 120-member delegation, officials said.
It is Modi's first visit to Pakistan and the first trip by an Indian prime minister to the country in 11 years.
National Security Adviser Ajit Doval is among those accompanying Modi, who later took off in a helicopter with Sharif for talks at his ancestral house near Lahore.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app