Narendra Modi Oath Ceremony: Who Will Attend Event Amid ‘Neighbourhood First’ Push?

Narendra Modi Oath Ceremony: Who Will Attend Event Amid ‘Neighbourhood First’ Push?

Keywords: Narendra Modi, Oath Ceremony, Neighbourhood First, SAARC, BIMSTEC

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take the oath of office for a second term on May 30, 2019. The event is expected to be attended by several foreign dignitaries, including heads of state and government from South Asia, the Indian Ocean region, and beyond.

Under Modi’s “Neighbourhood First” policy, India has been making efforts to strengthen its ties with its immediate neighbours. Several leaders from the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) are expected to attend the oath ceremony, including the presidents of Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Nepal. The prime ministers of Bangladesh and Bhutan are also expected to be present.

In addition to SAARC leaders, Modi has also invited heads of state and government from the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) region. BIMSTEC is a regional grouping that includes India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

The attendance of foreign dignitaries at Modi’s oath ceremony is a sign of the growing importance of India in the region. Under Modi’s leadership, India has emerged as a major player in South Asia and beyond. The “Neighbourhood First” policy has been a key part of this strategy, and the attendance of foreign dignitaries at the oath ceremony is a testament to its success.

Some of the notable foreign dignitaries who are expected to attend the oath ceremony include:

Afghanistan: President Ashraf Ghani
Bangladesh: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
Bhutan: Prime Minister Lotay Tshering
Maldives: President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih
Nepal: President Bidya Devi Bhandari
Sri Lanka: President Maithripala Sirisena
Thailand: Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha

The oath ceremony will be held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. It is expected to be attended by thousands of guests, including political leaders, diplomatic representatives, and members of the public.