India's PM Modi Vows to Foster Peace, Prosperity in Region Post Oath

Top dignitaries from across India's neighbourhood and the Indian Ocean region marked their presence at the grand swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Union Council of Ministers. The event, held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, saw the attendance of Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Additionally, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Bhutanese counterpart Tshering Tobgay, and Vice-President of Seychelles Ahmed Afif graced the occasion with their presence.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was sworn in for a third consecutive term after the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance won 293 out of 543 seats in the Lok Sabha elections. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted that the participation of these leaders underscores the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between India and its neighbouring regions. Following the ceremony, PM Modi met with the visiting leaders, who congratulated him on his historic third term. The prime minister expressed gratitude for their presence and reiterated India's commitment to its 'Neighbourhood First' policy and SAGAR Vision.

During his third term, PM Modi aims to focus on peace, progress, and prosperity in the region in partnership with neighbouring countries while pursuing the goal of a developed India by 2047. He emphasized the importance of deeper people-to-people ties and regional connectivity. Moreover, PM Modi assured that India would continue to represent the voice of the Global South on international platforms.

In a statement shared on X, PM Modi thanked the foreign dignitaries for attending the ceremony and reaffirmed India's dedication to working closely with its partners for human progress. The leaders also attended a banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where she remarked on India's democratic exercise as a source of inspiration worldwide.

The swearing-in ceremony also highlighted PM Modi's preference for continuity and experience within his cabinet, with senior BJP leaders Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari, Nirmala Sitharaman, and S Jaishankar taking oath as cabinet ministers. These leaders held senior positions during Modi's second term as well.

The foreign leaders' attendance is particularly noteworthy against the backdrop of evolving diplomatic relations in the region. For instance, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu's participation comes at a time when relations between India and Maldives have seen significant shifts since his election on November 17 last year. Known for his pro-China stance, Muizzu's visit to India is his first since taking office amidst strained bilateral ties.

This gathering of leaders from SAARC during Modi's first term in 2014 and BIMSTEC countries in 2019 during his second term underscores India's strategic diplomatic engagements under Modi's leadership. The decision to invite such a diverse group of leaders reflects India's broader policy framework under SAGAR or Security and Growth for all in the Region, aiming for cooperative development and security in the Indian Ocean region.