Imran Khan wants TV debate with Modi to resolve issues

Imran Khan_ Prime Minister of Pakistan has said that he would like to have a televised debate with his Indian counterpart_ Narendra Modi_ to resolve differences between the two neighbours.

The nuclear-powered rivals have shared antagonistic relations since gaining independence 75 years ago_ fighting three wars_ with ties strained recently over the northern Muslim-majority region of Kashmir_ which both claim in full.

"I would love to debate with Narendra Modi on TV_" Khan told Russia Today in an interview_ adding that it would be beneficial for the billion people in the subcontinent if differences could be resolved through debate.

India's Ministry of External Affairs did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

"India became a hostile country so trade with them became minimal_" Khan said_ stressing his government's policy was to have trade relations with all countries.

Khan's remarks follow similar comments recently by Pakistan's top commercial official_ Razzak Dawood_ who_ according to media_ told journalists he supported trade ties with India_ which would benefit both sides.

Khan said Pakistan's regional trading options were already limited_ with Iran_ its southwestern neighbour_ under US sanctions and Afghanistan_ to the west_ involved in decades of war.

Pakistan shares strong economic ties with its northern neighbour_ China_ which has committed billions of dollars for infrastructure and other projects under its Belt and Road Initiative.

Khan's interview came on the eve of a visit to Moscow_ where he will meet President Vladimir Putin - the first visit by a Pakistani leader to Russia in two decades.

The two-day visit for talks on economic cooperation was planned before the current crisis over Ukraine.

"This doesn t concern us_ we have a bilateral relation with Russia and we really want to strength it_" Khan said of the Ukraine crisis.