NEW DEHLI – Relations between Pakistan and India may see an upward surge atleast temporarily after the rise of Imran Khan led government in Islamabad,Indian media has hinted.

In this regard, India has intensified contacts with Imran Khan’s PakistanTejreek–e-Insaf in run-up to government formation, Indian media reportedMonday.

The Indian mission remains in touch with senior PTI leaders who are likelyto play an important role in the new government, the Times of India saidquoting unnamed sources.

In its first reaction on election in Pakistan, India on Saturday said ithoped the new government would “work constructively” to end militancy inSouth Asia.

“We hope that the new government of Pakistan will work constructively tobuild a safe, stable, secure and developed South Asia free of terror andviolence,” India’s foreign affairs ministry said in a statement.

The news report added that the Indian mission in Islamabad was also intouch with major parties including Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz andPakistan Peoples’ Party.

Pak-India ties remained a key election issue and opposition parties blamedformer prime minister Nawaz Sharif of having personal friendship withIndian leader Narnedra Modi and compromising national interests.

Indian officials have not ruled out the possibility of PM Modi making acongratulatory phone call, like Afghan President Ashraf Ghani did Sunday,to Khan in the next few days as part of the reach out, the report added.