Modi Government Reacts Strongly to Pakistan–India Peace Appeal

New Delhi / Islamabad — An open letter signed by 117 prominent Pakistani and Indian personalities calling for renewed diplomatic engagement and improved relations between Pakistan and India has triggered a sharp political reaction in India. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and sections of the Indian media strongly criticized the initiative, while some media outlets reportedly labeled supporters of the appeal with terms such as "Pakistan sympathizers" and "traitors" instead of engaging with its proposals.

The peace appeal was initiated by the Centre for Peace and Progress, urging Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to restore dialogue with Pakistan, ease visa restrictions, and promote greater people-to-people exchanges. Political observers say that advocacy for improved Pakistan–India relations has increasingly become a politically sensitive issue in India.

Key Points of the Peace Appeal

The open letter was signed by several well-known political, diplomatic, and civil society figures from both countries.

Indian Signatories: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Ministers Farooq Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, former RAW chief A. S. Dulat, O. P. Shah, Mani Shankar Aiyar, and dozens of civil society representatives. The appeal also called for the reopening of air links between the two countries.

Pakistani Signatories: Former Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri, artist Salima Hashmi, former Ambassador Ashraf Jehangir Qazi, and other prominent figures emphasized resolving all outstanding issues, including Kashmir, through dialogue.

Political Debate

According to political analysts, the initiative has sparked renewed debate over peace advocacy and freedom of opinion in India. They note that discussions on improving relations with Pakistan remain politically contentious, particularly amid heightened nationalist narratives and electoral politics.