Days have passed since the announcement of the Lok Sabha elections 2024 results, and despite failing to secure a simple majority, the NDA is poised to form the government for a third consecutive term.
After submitting his resignation to President Draupadi Murmu and NDA proposing him as the prime minister for the next five years, Narendra Modi will take his oath as Prime Minister for the third term on June 9, 2024.
The swearing-in ceremony will be attended by several international dignitaries, including leaders from seven neighboring countries, with the exception of Pakistan
Notably, the invitations mirrors Modi’s first swearing in ceremony, during which he had invited all SAARC leaders, including then Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif.
However, according to sources, no invitation has been issued to Islamabad. Even if one were extended, the current Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif wouldn’t be able to attend, as his visit to China is already scheduled.
As for other nations, Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, who anyway planned her visit to India for bilateral talks, is set arrive for the ceremony on June 9.
According to experts, Hasina is most likely to reciprocate India’s strong support during the Bangladesh general elections, which countered pressure from the US to accommodate the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-Jamat-e-Islami alliance.
Meanwhile, the Seychelles vice president Ahmed Afif is expected to arrive at the country on June 8, Sunday.
Earlier, India had provided assistance to this strategically located country to improve its administrative & communications infrastructure. Currently, India looking to gain naval foothold in one of the islands.
On the same day, Mauritius prime minister Pravind Jugnauth, will also land in Delhi. For a long time, India has consistently supported the country in both development and security sectors. This Bilateral proximity is further enhanced by the presence of huge Indian-origin population.
Meanwhile, despite the fraught relationships, Maldives president Mohamed Muizzu, will arrive at the country at the same time. Earlier, the latter Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer visited India for discussions, suggesting an improvement in the relationship between the two nations.
The arrival of Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay is also scheduled for Sunday. Thimphu, an integral component of India’s regional strategy, who is under pressure from China to settle their border disputes and allow the opening of Beijing’s embassy in the nation.
Meanwhile, sri lankan president Ranil Wickramsinghe is set to arrive after tobgay, both the countries are likely to have discussions regarding economic integration.
The Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal will the last one, to arrive in India on June 9.