Pakistan's Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, has arrived in New Delhi for the swearing-in ceremony of India's Narendra Modi.

It will be the first time a leader from either country has attended the other's inauguration since independence in 1947.

Mr Sharif waved at television cameras after being greeted by Indian dignitaries.

Mr Modi's invitation to his Pakistani counterpart is seen as a as a significant olive branch.

India and Pakistan have fought three wars since independence in 1947 and bilateral ties broke down after the 2008 attacks by Pakistani gunmen on Mumbai, in which 166 people were killed.

Relations warmed slightly toward the end of the term of outgoing Prime Minister Manmohan Singh but still remain frosty, with mutual distrust and regular skirmishes along their disputed Kashmir border.

'Great opportunity'

Mr Sharif said the invitation is a "great opportunity" for the two neighbours.

"It is a great moment and a great opportunity," he told local media.

"This is a chance to reach out to each other. Both governments have a strong mandate," he added, according to a transcript provided by the Pakistan High Commission.

"This could help in turning a new page in our relations."

Mr Modi and Mr Sharif are expected to hold bilateral talks on Tuesday.

Nawaz Sharif is among other leaders from the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) to be invited to Mr Modi's inauguration.

AFP