World Leaders Converge in Delhi for Modi's Historic Third Swearing-In

Top leaders from India's neighbourhood, including Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda,' and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, arrived in Delhi for Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi's third swearing-in ceremony. The event underscores India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and SAGAR vision.

Top leaders from India's neighbourhood and the Indian Ocean region, including Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda,' and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, descended upon Delhi on Sunday for Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony.

Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth and Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay also arrived to witness Modi taking oath for an unprecedented third term alongside his ministers.

Notably, Bangladesh President Sheikh Hasina and Seychelles Vice-President Ahmed Afif landed in Delhi on Saturday, indicating the regional significance of the event.

Muizzu’s visit is especially notable given recent strains in India-Maldives relations. This marks Muizzu's inaugural trip to India since assuming office on November 17 last year.

The swearing-in ceremony, slated to begin at 7:15 pm at Rashtrapati Bhavan, welcomes these dignitaries. “President @MMuizzu of Maldives arrives to a warm welcome in New Delhi to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister and Council of Ministers,” tweeted Randhir Jaiswal, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson.

Muizzu previously expressed keen interest in bolstering India-Maldives ties, despite initial tensions involving Indian military presence in Maldives.

The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted, “The visit of these leaders reflects the unique ties and will provide further impetus to our multifaceted relationships under the 'Neighbourhood First' policy and 'SAGAR' vision.”

Besides attending the ceremony, leaders will join a banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu, with Modi likely to engage in separate bilateral meetings to strengthen regional partnerships.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also called on BJP patriarch LK Advani, signifying warm bilateral relations.