Sharif calls up Modi, praises India's quake relief in Nepal

Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday called up Prime Minister Narendra Modi to express condolence over the deaths in India due to the quake and appreciated India's rescue operations in Nepal.

"Got a call from PM Nawaz Sharif. He expressed condolences on the loss of lives in various parts of India due to the earthquake," Modi tweeted.

He added that Sharif appreciated India's efforts in the rescue operations in Nepal.

"I thank him for his kind words," Modi said, adding he suggested to his Pakistani counterpart that "SAARC nations should conduct regular joint exercises on disaster relief and rescue".

"SAARC nations can come together and hold annual exercises of rescue teams, doctors etc on how we can minimise damage during natural disasters," he added.

Sharif appreciated the idea and "told me that we should take up such an initiative".

The two leaders also discussed the unseasonal rain and its adverse impact on crops.

According to a Pakistani high commission statement, Sharif also offered assistance that could be required and spoke of a joint regional approach to tackle such natural disasters.

Nepal was hit by a massive earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale on April 25, killing over 5,000 people. In India, the earthquake has so far claimed 78 lives, while 560 people are injured.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, who held talks with Modi here on Tuesday, also praised Modi's leadership for "marshalling resources in this crucial hour" for quake relief.