New Delhi: India’s “Neighbourhood First” strategy and emphasis on collaboration with Indian Ocean nations were the primary considerations behind the invitation extended to leaders from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, the Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, and Sri Lanka for the prime minister’s inauguration on June 9.
Earlier reports indicated that leaders from five countries would be invited to the ceremony where Narendra Modi would be sworn in for his third term. However, individuals familiar with the situation, speaking on the condition of anonymity on Thursday, revealed that the Maldives and Seychelles have been included in the list.
Modi extended invitations to the leaders of Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, and Mauritius to attend the inauguration during individual phone conversations on Wednesday. Formal invitations were subsequently dispatched to all seven countries on Thursday, according to the sources.
“The focus is on forging closer relations and enhancing cooperation with island nations in the Indian Ocean region. Besides, all the countries that have been invited have a key place in the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy,” one of the people cited above said.
Before the formal invitations were dispatched, officials in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka had already confirmed the participation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, and President Ranil Wickremesinghe, respectively.
An aide to Hasina even announced that the premier would depart for New Delhi on Friday, as the Bangladeshi side initially believed the swearing-in ceremony was scheduled for June 8. However, upon receiving the formal invitation stating that the inauguration was set for June 9, officials in Dhaka confirmed that the premier would travel to India on Saturday.
The inclusion of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu on the list of invitees came as a surprise, given the strained relations between Male and New Delhi since his election last year, which was backed by an “India Out” campaign. Muizzu has taken several measures to align the Maldives closer to China, including compelling India to recall over 85 military personnel stationed in the Indian Ocean archipelago. These personnel were responsible for operating two helicopters and an aircraft primarily used for medical evacuations and humanitarian relief operations.
The decision to invite Muizzu was intended to signify India’s commitment to continuing cooperation with the Maldives in key areas, according to the sources.
On Thursday, the Maldives confirmed Muizzu’s acceptance of the invitation, with officials in Male stating that he would be accompanied by three members of his cabinet, including Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer. This visit marks Muizzu’s first trip to India since assuming power.
Additionally, the decision to invite leaders from neighboring countries to the inauguration was influenced by logistical considerations, the sources explained. Most of these leaders maintain close ties with India and would be willing to attend at short notice. Their presence would also underscore New Delhi’s commitment to prioritizing regional cooperation, the sources added.
During her conversation with Modi on Wednesday, Hasina highlighted the “very cordial and friendly relations between Bangladesh and India”. Bangladesh presently stands as India’s “closest partner in the neighbourhood”, and both nations have advanced numerous initiatives for “road, rail, and energy connectivity”.
During his phone call with Wickremesinghe on Wednesday, Modi characterized Sri Lanka as a crucial partner in the “Neighbourhood First” policy and affirmed that India is “proud to be a dependable partner” for the island nation.
The leaders of all seven member states of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) were invited to Modi’s inauguration in 2014, while leaders of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec) were invited to his swearing-in in 2019.