Sharif condoles India's quake deaths, lauds rescue efforts

Pakistani 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 said in a tweet.

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

"I thank him for his kind words," Modi said.

Modi said that he suggested to Sharif 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 unseasonal rain and its adverse impact on crops.

Nepal was hit by a massive earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale on April 25, killing over 5,000 people. The toll due to the earthquake in India has gone up to 78, while the number of injured people stands at 560, the government said on Wednesday.