“I am carrying the message of peace,” said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif who left for India Monday to attend the oath taking ceremony of Indian Prime Minister designate Narendra Modi, media reported.

“I’m carrying the message of peace and will discuss all matters with the Indian leadership. Dialogue process is the only way to resolve bilateral issues. Forging cordial relations with all neighbours including India is foremost priority of Pakistan,” Samaa TV quoted Sharif as saying before he left for Delhi from Lahore.

Sharif’s son Hussain Nawaz, National Security and Foreign Affairs Advisor Sartaj Aziz, along with three other government officials are accompanying Sharif to Delhi.

As a goodwill gesture, Sharif Sunday ordered the release of 151 Indian prisoners captured by Pakistan, Dawn online reported.

Sharif, hailed Modi’s “impressive victory”, and accepted the invite that was extended to all heads of government from the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

Modi, who will be sworn in at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan Monday evening, would hold brief bilateral talks with each leader Tuesday.