Regional Leaders to Grace PM Modi's Swearing-In Ceremony

Indian Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony on June 9 will witness the attendance of leaders from seven neighboring and Indian Ocean nations, including Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu. This event underlines India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and 'SAGAR' vision.

India on Friday announced that leaders from seven countries in its neighborhood and the Indian Ocean region, including Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, will attend Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony on June 9.

Arrivals have already been noted, with Hasina and Seychelles Vice-President Ahmed Afif reaching New Delhi.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed the attendance of other leaders, such as Nepal's Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda,' Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, and Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay.

India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and 'SAGAR' vision (Security and Growth for All in the Region) underscore the high priority of these bilateral ties. “The swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Council of Ministers follows the General Elections 2024 and is scheduled for June 9, 2024,” stated the MEA.

A banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan will also be attended by these leaders. The ceremony is set for 7:15 PM on Sunday at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized the significance of Hasina’s visit, highlighting its potential to strengthen the India-Bangladesh relationship. Jaiswal also welcomed Afif’s visit, noting the strengthening of India-Seychelles relations.

The invitation to Muizzu, against a backdrop of strained India-Maldives ties since his election, is particularly notable. Muizzu demanded the withdrawal of Indian military personnel shortly after assuming office.

This event carries on a tradition with leaders from SAARC attending Modi's first swearing-in and BIMSTEC leaders his second in 2019. Despite the BJP not securing a majority, its allied coalition achieved 293 out of 543 Lok Sabha seats.