Modi thanks Imran for greeting over poll victory

NEW DELHI, May 24 (Xinhua): Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has thanked his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan for the latter's congratulatory message over his victory in the just-concluded general elections.

In one of his tweets, Modi said on Thursday "Thank you PM Imran Khan. I warmly express my gratitude for your good wishes. I have always given primacy to peace and development in our region."

Ahead of the polls, Khan had said that there might be a better chance of peace talks with India if PM Modi wins the elections. He reportedly said that if the next Indian government were to be led by the Congress party, it might be too scared to seek a settlement with Pakistan over Kashmir, fearing a backlash from the right wing.

Earlier, Imran Khan congratulated Modi on his electoral victory.

"I congratulate Prime Minister Modi on the electoral victory of BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) and allies. Look forward to working with him for peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia," Khan said in a tweet.

India and Pakistan have been at loggerheads with each other for the past several years. The situation escalated in February this year.

Modi announced on Thursday his BJP's victory in the just concluded 17th general elections.

A PTI report adds: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan Thursday congratulated his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on his victory in the general elections and expressed desire to work with him for peace, progress and prosperity in the region.

Prime Minister Modi led his Bharatiya Janata Party towards what looks set to be a resounding victory for a second term in office.

The results of India's general elections are very significant for Pakistan as the formation of the next government in New Delhi will determine the course of Indo-Pakistan ties, which were pushed to a new low after the Pulwama terror attack.