The attendance of prominent dignitaries aligns with India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy
The national capital is abuzz with preparations as India gears up for the grand swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Council of Ministers. Scheduled for Sunday (June 9, 2024) evening at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the event marks Modi's historic third consecutive term in office. The ceremony promises to be a landmark occasion, attended by an array of distinguished guests, including leaders from India's neighborhood and the Indian Ocean region.

Prominent Dignitaries to Attend

Prominent foreign leaders who have accepted the invitation to attend include:
President of Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremesinghe.
President of Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu.
Vice-President of Seychelles, Ahmed Afif.

Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina.
Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Kumar Jugnauth.
Prime Minister of Nepal, Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’.
Prime Minister of Bhutan, Tshering Tobgay.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), these leaders will also attend a banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan later in the evening.

The visit of the leaders to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Modi for his third consecutive term is in keeping with the highest priority accorded by India to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and ‘SAGAR’ vision, the MEA noted.

NDA's Victory and Modi's Leadership

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), secured a comfortable majority of seats in the recent General Elections, paving the way for Modi's third term as PrimeMinister. The NDA’s coalition partners have shown robust support, reaffirming Modi's leadership by naming him their leader.

In the 2019 swearing-in ceremony, India invited leaders from BIMSTEC countries, reflecting its focus on regional cooperation. In 2014, leaders from SAARC nations, including then Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, attended the event. This year's invitees further emphasize the continuity and strengthening of India's foreign policy.

Security has been heightened in Delhi ahead of the ceremony. A three-layered security cordon will be in place around Rashtrapati Bhavan, with commandos from Delhi Police's SWAT and the National Security Guards (NSG) deployed at strategic locations. The capital has been declared a no-fly zone, with bans on aerial platforms to ensure safety. Traffic diversions and increased vehicle checks are in effect to manage the influx of dignitaries and guests.

Prime Minister Modi's swearing-in ceremony is not just a political event but a reaffirmation of India's strategic and diplomatic priorities in the region. His third term is expected to continue his administration's focus on economic reforms, infrastructure development, and digital transformation. On the international front, PM Modi's leadership is expected to bolster India's role on the global stage, enhancing its strategic partnerships and economic ties.

The swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a momentous occasion for India, marking the beginning of a new chapter in its political and diplomatic journey. With the presence of esteemed foreign leaders, PM Modi's third term promises to bring continuity and progress to India's domestic and international policies. As the nation watches, the event signifies a blend of tradition, democratic values, and a forward-looking vision for the future.