India to Welcome Neighbouring Country Leaders at Modi's Third-Term Swearing-In

India is poised to extend invitations to leaders from several neighbouring nations, including Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, for the upcoming swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This event marks a significant moment as Modi prepares to assume office for an unprecedented third consecutive term. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) emerged victorious in the recent Lok Sabha elections, securing 293 seats.Prominent figures from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, and Mauritius are expected to grace the occasion. The office of Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe confirmed receiving an invitation from Modi, with President Wickremesinghe expressing his acceptance and congratulations to Modi on his electoral success. Similarly, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was invited during a phone conversation with Modi and has accepted the invitation.

Diplomatic Engagements

The list of invitees is likely to include Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, and Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth. These invitations underscore the importance India places on its relationships with its neighbouring countries. Formal invitations are expected to be dispatched shortly.

Historical Context

The tradition of inviting leaders from regional groupings to the swearing-in ceremony is not new. The leaders of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries attended Modi's first swearing-in ceremony in 2014 following a sweeping electoral victory. In 2019, when Modi was sworn in for his second term, leaders from the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) countries were present.The ceremony, scheduled for June 8, symbolizes not only the democratic process but also India's commitment to fostering strong ties within the region. Despite the BJP not achieving a majority on its own, the NDA's collective strength in securing 293 seats out of 543 in the Lok Sabha underscores the alliance's substantial support base. The majority mark in the Lower House is 272.This event is a testament to India's evolving diplomatic landscape and its efforts to maintain and strengthen relations with its neighbours. As preparations for the swearing-in ceremony are underway, it reflects India's readiness to embark on another term under Modi's leadership with a focus on regional cooperation and development.