Modi's Third Term: A Star-Studded Swearing-In

Top leaders from neighboring countries and the Indian Ocean region attended the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union council of ministers. The event emphasized the 'Neighbourhood First' policy and the 'SAGAR' vision, highlighting India's focus on regional cooperation and security.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the oath for his third consecutive term in a grand ceremony held on Sunday, attended by top leaders from India's neighborhood and the Indian Ocean region. Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe graced the occasion, underscoring India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and commitment to regional cooperation.

Also in attendance were Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, and Seychelles Vice-President Ahmed Afif. The ceremony, held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, highlighted the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance's significant electoral victory, securing 293 seats out of 543 in the Lok Sabha.

In a move emphasizing continuity and experience, senior BJP leaders Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari, Nirmala Sitharaman, and S. Jaishankar were sworn in as cabinet ministers alongside Modi. New additions to the cabinet include J. P. Nadda, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and Manohar Lal Khattar, marking a blend of seasoned and fresh faces in Modi's administration.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) noted the leaders' invitation aligned with India's 'SAGAR' vision, emphasizing security and growth for all in the region. The presence of Maldives' President Muizzu was particularly notable, given recent strains in India-Maldives relations due to his pro-China stance.