Neighboring leaders may attend Modi’s swearing-in ceremony.
Modi is poised to assume office for a third consecutive term as Prime Minister.
India is likely to extend invitations to leaders of several neighboring countries, including Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the weekend, as per sources familiar with the matter.
Modi is on the brink of assuming office for an unprecedented third consecutive term, following the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) triumph in securing 293 seats in the Lok Sabha polls.
The individuals cited above revealed that prominent figures from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, and Mauritius are anticipated to receive invitations to Modi’s oath-taking ceremony.
The media arm of Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s office confirmed that Modi extended an invitation to Wickremesinghe for the swearing-in ceremony, which Wickremesinghe graciously accepted. In a cordial phone call, Wickremesinghe congratulated Modi on his electoral victory.
The Sri Lankan President’s office stated, “Prime Minister @narendramodi invited President Wickremesinghe to his swearing-in ceremony, which President @RW_UNP accepted,” during their conversation.
Additionally, Modi engaged in a telephonic conversation with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. In this exchange, Modi invited Hasina to attend his swearing-in ceremony, and sources in the diplomatic circle confirmed that she gladly accepted the invitation.
Furthermore, the aforementioned sources disclosed that invitations are also expected to be extended to Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, and Prime Minister of Mauritius Pravind Jugnauth to partake in Modi’s swearing-in ceremony.
The gesture of inviting leaders from neighboring countries underscores India’s commitment to fostering strong diplomatic ties and regional cooperation. It also highlights the significance of Modi’s tenure in shaping not only India’s domestic policies but also its foreign relations.
This move aligns with Modi’s overarching foreign policy vision, which emphasizes the importance of building robust relationships with neighboring nations based on mutual respect, shared interests, and cooperation in various spheres, including trade, security, and development.
The attendance of leaders from neighboring countries at Modi’s swearing-in ceremony serves as a testament to the growing influence and stature of India in the region. It also signals a positive intent towards enhancing regional stability, peace, and prosperity through constructive engagement and dialogue.
As Modi embarks on his third term as Prime Minister, the presence of leaders from neighboring countries at his oath-taking ceremony underscores the significance of collaborative efforts in addressing common challenges and advancing shared goals for the collective benefit of the region.
The participation of esteemed dignitaries from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Mauritius in Modi’s swearing-in ceremony not only strengthens bilateral ties but also symbolizes the spirit of cooperation and camaraderie among nations in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region.
Moreover, the presence of foreign leaders at such a significant event underscores the importance attached to India’s democratic ethos and the peaceful transition of power. It exemplifies India’s commitment to upholding democratic values and principles, which serve as the cornerstone of its governance system.
In conclusion, the invitation extended to leaders of neighboring countries to attend Modi’s swearing-in ceremony reflects India’s proactive approach towards regional diplomacy and its desire to foster closer ties with its immediate neighbors. It reaffirms India’s commitment to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the region through constructive engagement and collaboration.
Modi held separate phone conversations with Prachanda. Formal invitations are slated to be dispatched on Thursday, as per one of the sources.
During Modi’s first swearing-in ceremony, leaders of SAARC countries attended following a BJP electoral victory. In 2019, leaders of BIMSTEC countries graced the occasion as Modi assumed his second consecutive term.
Modi is expected to take the oath on June 8.
While the BJP didn’t secure a majority independently in the polls, the party-led alliance clinched 293 seats out of 543 in the Lower House, surpassing the 272-seat majority threshold.