Sunday , November 17 2024

'Neighbor first' policy in PM Modi's swearing-in ceremony, invitation sent to 7 heads of nations, see list

Narendra Modi will take oath as Prime Minister for the third consecutive time on June 1, for which full preparations are underway. Presidents of seven neighboring countries have been invited. Leaders of seven countries of the Indian Ocean, including Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Maldives President Mohammad Muizzu, will attend the swearing-in ceremony on June 9. The Ministry of External Affairs said that 'Invitations have been sent to the presidents of seven countries under the Neighborhood First policy for Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony.'

Invitations were sent to these leaders

Besides Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Maldives President Mohammed Muizzo, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Seychelles Vice President Ahmed Afeef, Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay are among those present. Apart from attending the swearing-in ceremony, these leaders will also attend a lunch hosted by President Draupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday evening.

It is not clear whether Prime Minister Modi will hold separate bilateral meetings with these leaders visiting India or not. It is worth noting that the Prime Minister of Bangladesh and the President of Seychelles are going to reach Delhi on Saturday (8 June). All other leaders will arrive on Sunday. The Prime Minister of Nepal will reach Delhi about four hours before the swearing-in ceremony.

Broken relations with Maldives

It is worth noting that the relations between India and Maldives have weakened since Mohammad Muizzu became the President of Maldives. Who will attend the swearing-in ceremony of Modi Government 3.0 to improve relations between the two countries. After Narendra Modi's visit to Lakshadweep last year, relations with India soured due to allegations and criticism of Maldives officials. Muizzu has been supporting China since coming to power in 2023 and has been making the expulsion of Indian Army from the country his election issue. After coming to power, he fulfilled his promise. Indian Army is no longer present in Maldives.