ISLAMABAD, July 9 -- Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will hold a bilateral meeting with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit on Friday, officials said Thursday.

According to an official spokesman, Pakistan has responded positively to a suggestion by India for a meeting between the two leaders.

He said the proposed meeting is in the pursuit of the objective of the prime minister's policy to have cordial and cooperative ties with all neighboring countries including India.

"The prime minister will be meeting his Indian counterpart for a comprehensive exchange of views on all issues of common interest, " the spokesman said.

The meeting is likely to reduce the current diplomatic tensions increased over exchange of harsh statements. Both leaders are likely to discuss resumption of dialogue.

Sharif arrived in the Russian city of Ufa on Thursday where he will represent Pakistan at Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit meeting.

Pakistan is currently holding observer's status in SCO.

Sharif will also attend the outreach meeting of the leaders of BRICS states in Ufa on the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin. BRICS is an association of five major emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.