7 foreign leaders to join Modi’s swearing in event today
International Desk
India’s Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi is set to take oath today at 7:45pm Dhaka time for a third straight term, matching the feat of the first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
Modi, 73, would be assuming the role of the head of government with support from coalition partners as his BJP party failed to secure absolute majority, unlike in his previous two terms.
Seven foreign leaders have already landed in New Delhi to attend the swearing in ceremony.
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Seychelles Vice-President Ahmed Afif were the first to reach Delhi landing in the Indian capital on Saturday.
Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda,” Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth and his Bhutanese counterpart Tshering Tobgay reached Delhi on Sunday.
Among the foreign leaders, Muizzu’s visit has assumed greater significance as it comes against the backdrop of India-Maldives ties witnessing significant strain due to Muizzu’s strong pro-Beijing stance.
Apart from attending the swearing in, the foreign leaders will also attend a banquet hosted by Indian President Droupadi Murmu. Premier Modi is also likely to hold separate bilateral meetings with the leaders.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge will likely attend the swearing-in ceremony as the Leader of the opposition in the national parliament.
