Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony on June 9, 2024, will be attended by a distinguished guest list that reflects India’s commitment to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. Several prominent foreign leaders from neighboring countries have confirmed their presence, including Sri Lanka’s President Wickremesinghe, Maldives’ President Muizzu, Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Nepal’s Prime Minister Prachanda, Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tobgay, Mauritius’ Prime Minister Jugnauth, and Seychelles’ Vice-President Ahmed Afif.
Notably, Asia’s first loco pilot, Surekha Yadav, who has been piloting the prestigious Vande Bharat train, will also be among the attendees. The ceremony, which will also include a banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, underscores India’s commitment to fostering strong regional ties and the ‘SAGAR’ vision.
In line with India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, the presence of these foreign dignitaries at the swearing-in ceremony signifies the importance India places on cultivating close relationships with its neighbors. The ceremony will provide an opportunity for strengthening bilateral ties and discussing areas of mutual cooperation.
The ‘SAGAR’ vision, which stands for ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region,’ is a key pillar of India’s foreign policy. It aims to promote peace, prosperity, and cooperation within the Indian Ocean region. The presence of regional leaders at the ceremony demonstrates India’s commitment to this vision and its desire to work collaboratively with its neighbors to achieve common goals.
The upcoming swearing-in ceremony is a significant event that will showcase India’s commitment to regional cooperation and its growing stature on the global stage. The presence of foreign leaders and Asia’s first loco pilot underscores the importance of fostering strong relationships with neighbors and promoting inclusivity within the nation’s development journey.
