‘Climate change’ in India-Pak ties? Modi-Sharif shake hands in Paris

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif as world leaders converged in Paris for the inauguration of the Conference of Parties (CoP) 21 climate summit.

“PM @narendramodi meets PM Nawaz Sharif at COP 21 in Paris,” external affairs ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted along with a picture of the two leaders shaking hands.

Modi was also seen having a conversation with Sharif in a lobby of the Conference Centre. No further details of the meeting between the two were made available.

This is the first meeting between the two leaders after Ufa in Russia, where they held bilateral talks on the sidelines of multilateral conferences, and decided on number of steps to takle forward the relationship.

Earlier, French President Francois Hollande welcomed Modi at the summit venue.

“On a chilly November morning, Modi is welcomed by President Hollande,” Swarup said in another tweet.

Modi will address the opening session of CoP 21 on Monday evening after inaugurating an Indian pavilion.

Modi, who arrived in Paris on Sunday, is also scheduled to hold several bilateral meetings, following the opening of the plenary session by Hollande. The meetings include one with US President Barack Obama.

The Indian pavilion showcases the country’s harmony with nature, environment and commitment to mitigating climate change.

Modi is to launch a 122-country solar alliance with Hollande.

“President @fhollande and I will jointly host a meeting of International Solar Alliance,” Modi said ahead of his departure from New Delhi on Sunday.

Modi will also attend ‘Mission Innovation’ hosted by Obama.