New Delhi, April 30 (PTI): Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today called Prime Minister Narendra Modi to condole the loss of lives in India in the recent earthquake.

"Got a call from PM Nawaz Sharif. He expressed condolences on the loss of lives in various parts of India due to the earthquake," Modi tweeted.

Sharif also appreciated India's efforts in the rescue operations in Nepal, Modi said, adding he thanked the Pakistan leader for his "kind words".

During the conversation, Modi said he suggested to Sharif that SAARC nations should conduct regular joint exercises on disaster relief and rescue.

"SAARC Nations can come together & hold annual exercises of rescue teams, doctors etc on how we can minimise damage during natural disasters," the Indian Prime Minister said.

"PM Sharif appreciated this idea & told me that we should take up such an initiative," he said in another tweet.

The two Prime Ministers also discussed the unseasonal rains and its adverse impact on the crops.