BJP Said:Pakistan PM Sharif Invited on Modi's inauguration

India has invited Pakistan's leader Nawaz Sharif to Narendra Modi's inauguration as prime minister, Mr Modi's BJP party has said.

This is thought to be the first time a Pakistani leader has been invited to such an event.
Other leaders from the South Asia Association for Regional Co-operation (Saarc) are also on the guest list.

But analysts say Mr Sharif's inclusion is of special significance given tense relations between India and Pakistan.

Mr Modi, who led his BJP party to a landslide win in the recent election, will be sworn into office on 26 May.

Results show the BJP won the biggest victory by any party in India for 30 years, gaining a majority in parliament and trouncing the outgoing Congress Party.

On Wednesday Mr Modi Modi stood down as chief minister of the western state of Gujarat, a post he has held for 12 years.

But the very fact that an invitation is being offered by Mr Modi is being seen as a gesture of friendship - and perhaps a clever tactical move by the new Indian leader.

India and Pakistan have fought three wars since independence in 1947 - and, more recently, bilateral ties suffered badly in the wake of the 2008 Mumbai attacks in which 166 people were killed by Pakistani gunmen.

Relations have improved slightly under Manmohan Singh, but there are still regular skirmishes on the disputed border in Kashmir.