Narendra Modi is poised to be sworn in as Prime Minister of India for an unprecedented third consecutive term this Saturday. A meeting of the leaders from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) unanimously chose him as their leader. This significant event underscores Modi’s continued influence and the strong mandate given by the electorate.
India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy has invited top South Asian leaders to attend the swearing-in ceremony. Confirmations have already come in from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, one of the first foreign leaders to congratulate Modi on his electoral victory, is set to visit Delhi on Friday. The rapport between Hasina and Modi highlights the close ties between the two nations. Meanwhile, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has also accepted the invitation and extended his congratulations to Modi.
Invitations have also been extended to Nepal’s Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, and Mauritius’s Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, showcasing the inclusivity of the event and the importance of regional cooperation. In 2014 and 2019, Modi’s oath-taking ceremony was attended by leaders of SAARC and BIMSTEC nations, reinforcing India’s strategic focus on strengthening neighborhood ties and promoting regional camaraderie and diplomatic engagement.
