Prime Minister Modi has reaffirmed India’s commitment to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and ‘SAGAR Vision’
A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met them at Rashtrapati Bhawan, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar called on leaders from neighbouring countries who were visiting New Delhi to attend the new government’s swearing-in ceremony.
 
The leaders EAM Jaishankar met on Monday (June 10, 2024) included Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ of Nepal, President Ranil Wickremesinghe of Sri Lanka, PM Pravind Jugnauth of Mauritius, President Mohamed Muizzu of Maldives, and President Tobgay Tshering of Bhutan.
 
During his meetings, Union Minister Jaishankar, who also held the External Affairs portfolio in the previous government, highlighted the strong bonds of friendship between India and these nations in addition to the ongoing development partnership with them.
 
EAM Jaishankar provided updates on his meetings through a series of posts on social media platform X, formerly Twitter: 
 
* "Honoured to call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh today. The India-Bangladesh Maitri continues to advance."
 
* "Appreciate President Ranil Wickremesinghe of Sri Lanka for receiving me this morning in New Delhi. Recognized the steady progress in India-Sri Lanka relations." 
 
* "Pleased to call on PM Pravind Jugnauth of Mauritius. Our conversation reflected the special India-Mauritius bond.”
 
* "So glad to call on PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ of Nepal. Discussed the growing various facets of India-Nepal cooperation. @cmprachanda."
 
* "Great to meet PM Tshering Tobgay of Bhutan. Spoke about our unique and multifaceted friendship.”
 
* "Delighted to call on President Dr Mohamed Muizzu of Maldives today in New Delhi. Look forward to India and Maldives working together closely."
 
EAM Jaishankar also met Seychelles Vice President Ahmed Afif. "Good to meet Vice President Ahmed Afif of Seychelles. Look forward to further strengthening our long-standing partnership," he said on X.
 
Meeting these leaders from India’s neighbouring countries after the swearing-in ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan on Sunday (June 9, 2024), Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and ‘SAGAR Vision’.
 
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Prime Minister Modi emphasized that in his third term, India will continue to work for the peace, progress and prosperity of the region in close partnership with the countries, even as it pursues its goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047. In this context, he called for deeper people-to-people ties and connectivity in the region. He added that India would continue to amplify the voice of the Global South in the international arena.
 
President Droupadi Murmu hosted a banquet in honour of the leaders attending the swearing-in-ceremony of the Prime Minister of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Welcoming the leaders, the President thanked them for accepting the invitation for the swearing-in-ceremony of the new Government, and for joining us in this celebration of democracy.

She noted that their presence on this occasion is yet another testament to the centrality of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, and the SAGAR Vision for the Indian Ocean region. “As stakeholders in each other’s progress and well-being, we count on our closest friends and neighbours to work with us to foster peace and prosperity in our region and beyond,” he stated.

President Murmu also wished Prime Minister Modi success as he took on his high responsibility in the service of the people.