Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif accepted on Saturday an invitation to attend the inauguration of Indian Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi, a first between the nuclear-armed rivals that could help set the tone of engagement as the two leaders seek to improve troubled ties.
Sharif's decision comes in the face of stiff opposition from hardliners, including the Pakistan military, signaling that he was willing to expend political capital to try and match Modi's bold first step aimed at rebuilding ties.
"There will be a bilateral meeting on the sidelines between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Mr. Modi," said Mohyuddin Wani, the joint secretary of the Pakistan Prime Minister's office.
"Mr Sharif will also be calling on the Indian President."
Sharif's response came after a meeting between Pakistani chief of army staff, General Raheel Sharif, and Punjab chief minister, Shahbaz Sharif, on Thursday in which the latter is said to have explained the positive outcomes of such a visit to the general. Shahbaz is Nawaz's brother and confidante.
The Pakistan prime minister is likely to push hard to make his visit substantive beyond the symbolism of attending Modi's oath-taking ceremony on Monday. He is expected to return home Tuesday afternoon.
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