Prime Minister Narendra Modi today congratulated Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on being sworn in as the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

In a message that he posted on Twitter, Prime Minister Modi said, “India desires peace and stability in a region free of terror, so that we can focus on our development challenges and ensure the well-being and prosperity of our people.”

Earlier Shehbaz Sharif was sworn in as 23^rd Prime Minister of Pakistan late evening. Interestingly, President Alvi managed to excuse himself from administering the oath of office and secrecy to Shehbaz Sharif citing health issues. Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani admistered the oath of office to Sharif.

Soon after being Sworn in Sharif, in his first address as Prime MInister, Sharif spoke about India-Pakistan relations.

Firstly he said while India abrogated article 370 of the Constitution, Imran Khan, as Pakistan’s Prime Minister did nothing to counter it.

He reiterated that “Pakistan stands with people of Kashmir and will not ditch them.”

However, in the same breath he said Pakistan wants better relationship with India but that cannot happen “Unless the issue of Jammu and Kashmir is resolved.”

He spoke as the Pakistan tehreek-e-Insaaf party members tendered their en mass resignations and Imran Khan said he would take to streets on being “removed due to a foreign conspiracy.”