EXCLUSIVE: Seven countries invited for Indian PM Modi's swearing-in ceremony this weekend

Seven countries have been invited to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's oath-taking ceremony this weekend. The invited nations from India's neighbourhood and the Indian Ocean include—Seychelles, Mauritius, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal. PM Modi has personally reached out to several leaders from these countries, extending invitations that have now been formally sent. The grand event at Rashtrapati Bhawan will mark the beginning of Modi's third consecutive term.

Maldives: Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has been invited to attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi's oath ceremony. President Muizzu, who took office last year, congratulated Prime Minister Modi and the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) for their victory in the 2024 Indian General Elections. In a social media message, he stated, "I look forward to working together to advance our shared interests in pursuit of shared prosperity and stability for our two countries."While no public confirmation has come from President Muizzu's office, if he travels to Delhi, this will mark his first visit to India since assuming office.

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Sri Lanka: Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe congratulated Prime Minister Modi on his electoral victory during a phone call between the 2 leaders. A statement from the Sri Lankan government said, "During the conversation, PM Modi invited President Wickremesinghe to his swearing-in ceremony, which the President accepted." During Wednesday's telephonic call, the two leaders noted the significant progress that has taken place in implementing the Vision Document issued during the visit of President Wickremesinghe to New Delhi in July 2023. The Sri Lankan President travels to Delhi on 9th June.

Bangladesh: Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina accepted Modi's invitation during a telephone conversation. Noorelahi Mina, Deputy Press Secretary to the Bangladeshi Prime Minister, confirmed the acceptance who was quoted by United News of Bangladesh. Bangladesh PM was among the first world leaders to send a written congratulatory message to PM Modi on the election win. PM Hasina is expected to reach Delhi on Saturday and leave on Monday.

Bhutan: Bhutanese leadership has been invited to be guests at the ceremony. PM Modi has spoken to both Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Bhutan PM Dasho Tshering Tobgay. Earlier this year, PM Modi travelled to Bhutan, which was his last foreign visit during his 2nd term. India and Bhutan are working on rail connectivity.

Nepal: Nepal's Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, is also confirmed to attend the ceremony in Delhi. PM Prachanda had called Narendra Modi to wish him on the electoral success. An Indian readout of the talks said, "Nepal shares deep-rooted cultural and civilizational links with India and remains a special partner in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy".Congratulationspoured in from all political parties, cutting across party lines in Nepal for PM Modi.

Mauritius: Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth called PM Modi on Wednesday, congratulating him on his election victory. Prime Minister Modi thanked his counterpart and "reaffirmed his continued commitment to further strengthen the special relationship between India and Mauritius", an Indian readout on the talks said. Prime Minister Jugnauth was the first global leader to congratulate Modi on his victory on June 4th.

Seychelles: The Indian Ocean Country has been invited to be the guest at the Modi 3.0 inauguration. The Indian Origin President of Seychelles Wavel Ramkalawan, sent a message ofcongratulationsto Prime Minister Modi. In his message, he said, "This outcome is a testament to the confidence that the Indian people place in your visionary leadership and the remarkable progress that India has made under your stewardship, as well as the high regard in which you are held."