PM for a second time, Narendra Modi is going to follow it up with bilaterals with five countries. The first meeting is with Bangladesh President Mohammed Abdul Hamid which will be followed by meetings with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and Bhutan Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering. Watch this video to know more.

PM Modi meets Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena

Rajnath Singh takes oath as cabinet minister today in PM's swearing-in ceremony

Gravitas: Rajnath Singh in Modi's New Cabinet

The economy will be the top priority of the Modi government. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you which issues the new government needs to tackle first.

Gravitas: Modi 2.0: Can PM Modi Push 'Big-Bang' Economic Reforms?

How does the U.S. and the world see PM Modi's thumping win in the Indian Elections? We ask the man who steered U.S. President Donald Trump's campaign in 2014. Listen to this exclusive conversation between Steve Bannon and WION's Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary.

Gravitas: How Does The World See Modi's Win? An Exclusive Interview With Steve Bannon

What can we expect from PM Modi's second term on the foreign policy front? Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you about the opportunities and challenges.

Gravitas: Modi 2.0: India's Foreign Policy Challenges

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to meet BIMSTEC leaders. Watch this video to know more.

PM Narendra Modi to meet BIMSTEC leaders

What was the thinking behind picking MPs for the Modi Cabinet and the Council of Ministers? Palki Sharma Upadhyay decodes Modi's picks on Gravitas.

Gravitas: New Council Of Ministers Have The Stamp Of PM Modi

After the grand oath-taking ceremony, India's new council of ministers took charge. Which big names made it into the cabinet? Who's in, who's not? Palki Sharma Upadhyay has the details.

Gravitas Special Focus: Meet The New Team Modi

Nirmala Sitharaman was the first woman to be appointed full-time Defence Minister of India in September 2017 -- and since then she has been assiduously trying to adopt a holistic approach in addressing the country's security challenges. Watch this video to know more.

Another stint for Nirmala Sitharaman in Modi 2.0

Diplomacy was the top focus of the first day of Modi government's second term with the prime minister holding bilateral meetings with five foreign leaders who had arrived in Delhi for his oath-taking ceremony. &nbsp;

PM Modi's first bilateral was with Bangladeshi President Abdul Hamid. During the meet, PM "noted that the bilateral relationship, forged in Bangladesh’s War of Liberation, remained of the highest priority to India", a &nbsp; read out by the Ministry of External Affairs stated.&nbsp;

Both sides plan to commemorate the centenary of the birth of founding father of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 2020 and the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s Liberation, in 2021.

In the first tenure of Modi government, the two countries were able to resolve a number of issues including demarcation of the land boundary.&nbsp;

During the bilateral with PM of Mauritius, Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, both leaders agreed to work together to achieve the "shared vision of security and growth of the two countries and the Indian Ocean region", MEA readout said.

In his first term, PM Modi had visited Mauritius in 2015 and was the chief guest at the Mauritian National Day celebrations. The country's location in the Indian ocean is key, as it saddles between crucial trade lanes connecting Asia with Africa.

Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli, gifted PM Modi, "Rudraksha mala" during his bilateral.&nbsp;

In the meet with Bhutan PM Dr. Lotay Tshering, co-operation in the hydro-power sector was discussed. &nbsp;India has constructed three Hydroelectric Projects (HEP) in Bhutan totalling 1416 MW (336 MW Chukha HEP, 60 MW Kurichhu HEP and 1020 MW Tala HEP).&nbsp;

PM Modi is expected to visit both Nepal and Bhutan this year.&nbsp;

During his bilateral with Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena, both sides focused in "peace and security in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region" and "noted that terrorism and extremism continue to pose threat to humanity". Remember on April 21, more than 250 people died in terror attacks in the Indian Ocean island country, whose responsibility was taken by Islamic extremist groups.

Friday also saw, the new External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs V. Muraleedharan taking charge.&nbsp;

S. Jaishankar, who was the former foreign secretary, had played a crucial role in India US Nuclear deal of 2006 and served as envoy to several countries including the US and China.

Diplomacy was the top focus of the first day of Modi government's second term with the prime minister holding bilateral meetings with five foreign leaders who had arrived in Delhi for his oath-taking ceremony.

Diplomacy was the top focus of the first day of Modi government's second term with the prime minister holding bilateral meetings with five foreign leaders who had arrived in Delhi for his oath-taking ceremony. PM Modi's first bilateral was with Bangladeshi President Abdul Hamid. During the meet, PM "noted that the bilateral relationship, forged in Bangladesh’s War of Liberation, remained of the highest priority to India", a read out by the Ministry of External Affairs stated. Both sides plan to commemorate the centenary of the birth of founding father of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 2020 and the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s Liberation, in 2021. In the first tenure of Modi government, the two countries were able to resolve a number of issues including demarcation of the land boundary. During the bilateral with PM of Mauritius, Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, both leaders agreed to work together to achieve the "shared vision of security and growth of the two countries and the Indian Ocean region", MEA readout said. In his first term, PM Modi had visited Mauritius in 2015 and was the chief guest at the Mauritian National Day celebrations. The country's location in the Indian ocean is key, as it saddles between crucial trade lanes connecting Asia with Africa. Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli, gifted PM Modi, "Rudraksha mala" during his bilateral. In the meet with Bhutan PM Dr. Lotay Tshering, co-operation in the hydro-power sector was discussed. India has constructed three Hydroelectric Projects (HEP) in Bhutan totalling 1416 MW (336 MW Chukha HEP, 60 MW Kurichhu HEP and 1020 MW Tala HEP). PM Modi is expected to visit both Nepal and Bhutan this year. During his bilateral with Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena, both sides focused in "peace and security in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region" and "noted that terrorism and extremism continue to pose threat to humanity". Remember on April 21, more than 250 people died in terror attacks in the Indian Ocean island country, whose responsibility was taken by Islamic extremist groups. Friday also saw, the new External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs V. Muraleedharan taking charge. S. Jaishankar, who was the former foreign secretary, had played a crucial role in India US Nuclear deal of 2006 and served as envoy to several countries including the US and China.

Diplomacy remains the top focus of Modi 2.0's first day

And one of the leaders who helped BJP enter the state of Odisha was Pratap Chandra Sarangi who won from Balasore Lok Sabha Constituency. Sarangi took oath as Minister today. Watch this video to know more.

"Odisha's Modi" Pratap Chandra Sarangi takes oath as Minister

UAE celebrates Modi's oath-taking ceremony. Watch this video to know more.

UAE celebrates Modi's oath taking ceremony

Here's look at new cabinet entrants in PM Narendra Modi's Council of Ministers. Watch this video to know more.

Here's look at new cabinet entrants in PM Narendra Modi's Council of Ministers

arendra Modi took oath as Prime Minister of India for the second successive time on Tuesday in a grand ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. He was joined by 24 cabinet-ranked ministers, 24 Ministers of State and another nine Ministers of State (Independent Charge). Watch this video to k now more.

PM Modi, 57 ministers take oath at Rashtrapati Bhavan

PM Narendra Modi will visit Sri Lanka on June 9 in his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modis-first-foreign-visit-in-second-term-will-be-to-maldives-221777">first foreign visit after taking charge</a> as the prime minister for the second consecutive term. 
The news was confirmed by Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena.

During the two day visit PM Modi will&nbsp;be going to the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

Maithripala Sirisena, who was in India for the oath-taking ceremony of PM Modi at Rashtrapati Bhawan said, "PM Modi will be coming to Sri Lanka as part of his visit to the Maldives. As for the information we have received so far, PM Modi will be coming to Sri Lanka on the 9th. "

During the first term of his government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Island country twice, first in 2015 and then in 2017 when he was the Chief Guest at the International Day of Vesak celebrations in Sri Lanka.

Reacting to the WION's question, during a presser in Delhi on the recently concluded Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between India, Sri Lanka and Japan to develop the East Container Terminal (ECT) in Colombo port, Sirisena, said, "it is not an agreement, it is a memorandum of understanding in order to start a discussion about getting into an agreement" and through the discussion "Sri Lanka intends to come to an agreement which is economically and trade wise favourable to Sri Lanka."

The development comes even as China has been trying to increase its influence in South Asia especially with the development of ports like Gwadar in Pakistan and Hambantota port in Sri Lanka.

In 2017, unable to pay its debts, SriLanka handed over the Hambantota to China for a 99 year period lease.&nbsp;

On the recent terror attack in Sri Lanka on April 21 that killed more than 250 people, he said his government was able to bring the situation to normal within three weeks.&nbsp;

He dismissed, reports of any of the nine suicide bombers of Easter Sunday attack visiting India.

He said, "I have not received any reports which say that they have travelled to India. My officers have not reported any connection to India up to now"

India had provided intelligence to Sri Lanka on April 4 but the country failed to act on information. The President later removed the defence secretary and inspector general of police for failing to "inform him" about the intelligence.&nbsp;

The Sri Lankan President had a bilateral meeting with PM Modi on Friday during which the "leaders noted that terrorism and extremism continue to pose threat to humanity", a readout from Ministry of External Affairs said.

PM Narendra Modi will visit Sri Lanka on June 9 in his first foreign visit after taking charge as the prime minister for the second consecutive term. The news was confirmed by Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena.

PM Narendra Modi will visit Sri Lanka on June 9 in his first foreign visit after taking charge as the prime minister for the second consecutive term. The news was confirmed by Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena. During the two day visit PM Modi will be going to the Maldives and Sri Lanka. Maithripala Sirisena, who was in India for the oath-taking ceremony of PM Modi at Rashtrapati Bhawan said, "PM Modi will be coming to Sri Lanka as part of his visit to the Maldives. As for the information we have received so far, PM Modi will be coming to Sri Lanka on the 9th. " During the first term of his government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Island country twice, first in 2015 and then in 2017 when he was the Chief Guest at the International Day of Vesak celebrations in Sri Lanka. Reacting to the WION's question, during a presser in Delhi on the recently concluded Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between India, Sri Lanka and Japan to develop the East Container Terminal (ECT) in Colombo port, Sirisena, said, "it is not an agreement, it is a memorandum of understanding in order to start a discussion about getting into an agreement" and through the discussion "Sri Lanka intends to come to an agreement which is economically and trade wise favourable to Sri Lanka." The development comes even as China has been trying to increase its influence in South Asia especially with the development of ports like Gwadar in Pakistan and Hambantota port in Sri Lanka. In 2017, unable to pay its debts, SriLanka handed over the Hambantota to China for a 99 year period lease. On the recent terror attack in Sri Lanka on April 21 that killed more than 250 people, he said his government was able to bring the situation to normal within three weeks. He dismissed, reports of any of the nine suicide bombers of Easter Sunday attack visiting India. He said, "I have not received any reports which say that they have travelled to India. My officers have not reported any connection to India up to now" India had provided intelligence to Sri Lanka on April 4 but the country failed to act on information. The President later removed the defence secretary and inspector general of police for failing to "inform him" about the intelligence. The Sri Lankan President had a bilateral meeting with PM Modi on Friday during which the "leaders noted that terrorism and extremism continue to pose threat to humanity", a readout from Ministry of External Affairs said.

PM Modi to visit Sri Lanka on June 9

In this exclusive interview with WION's Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary; Steve Bannon, former White House chief strategist, and media moghul speaks on India-US future relations after Indian PM Narendra Modi's landslide victory.

Steve Bannon to WION: On India-US ties after PM Modi's Victory for second term

BJP president Amit Shah took oath at the much awaited swearing-in ceremony as a minster in Modi government's cabinet on Thursday. Watch this video to know more.

BJP chief Amit Shah joins Modi's cabinet 2.0

It was a proud moment for an entire country when Narendra Modi took oath as India's Prime Minister for the second successive term. It was especially significant for Heeraben who had her eyes glued to her television set to watch her son take oath. Watch this video to know more.

PM Narendra Modi's mother Heeraben cheers for him on TV

Putting all speculations to rest, BJP president Amit Shah took oath at the much awaited swearing-in ceremony as a minster in Modi government's cabinet on Thursday. However, the biggest surprise that PM Modi threw up was the inclusion of former foreign secretary S Jaishankar Prasad in cabinet. Watch this video to know more.

Amit Shah, S Jaishankar PM Narendra Modi's surprise pick

Nitish Kumar on Thursday confirmed even before the oath ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan that his party - Janata Dal United - won't be represented in Narendra Modi's new ministry. Watch this video to know more.

JDU not part of Narendra Modi ministry

Prime Minister Narendra Modi pulled off an electoral victory this year which resonated across the world. Many global leaders, including US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, congratulated him for the massive mandate in India's general elections. Steve Bannon, former White House chief strategist, and media moghul has said that the western media is absolutely stunned by PM Modi's victory. In an exclusive interview with WION's Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary, Bannon, the former executive chairman of Breitbart News, said he has been incredibly impressed with Modi.

Impressed with Modi, his victory bodes well for India-US ties: Steve Bannon to WION

43-year-old Smriti Irani, newly elected MP from Amethi, defeated Rahul Gandhi, for the second time took oath as Union minister . After which, he became the youngest minister in the new cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Watch this video to know more.

Smriti Irani takes oath as cabinet minister

Narendra Modi took oath of office and secrecy as Prime Minister for the second consecutive term, administered by President Ram Nath Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Thursday. Watch this video to know more.

Watch: Highlights of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony

In the first decision taken after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-union-cabinet-to-meet-this-evening-223031">assuming charge of the new government</a>, Prime Minister Modi on Friday approved a major change in the ‘Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme’ under the National Defence Fund.&nbsp;

PM Modi approved the increased rates of scholarship from Rs. 2000 per month to Rs. 2500 per month for boys and from Rs. 2250 per month to Rs. 3000 per month for girls.

The PM also extended the ambit of the Scholarship Scheme to the wards of State Police officials who are/were martyred during terror/naxal attacks.&nbsp;

The quota of new scholarships for children of state police officials will be 500 in a year.

The first meeting of the new Union Cabinet was held today at 5:30 pm.

The meeting was scheduled a day after Prime Minister&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/narendra-modi-takes-oath-as-prime-minister-for-second-time-222847">Narendra Modi and his Council of Ministers were sworn in</a>&nbsp;at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Watch: PM Modi approves changes to ‘PM’s Scholarship Scheme’ under National Defence Fund

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The Union Cabinet for the 17th Lok Sabha includes 24 cabinet ministers, 9 ministers of state with independent charge and 24 Ministers of State (MoS).

In the first decision taken after assuming charge of the new government, Prime Minister Modi on Friday approved a major change in the ‘Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme’ under the National Defence Fund.

In the first decision taken after assuming charge of the new government, Prime Minister Modi on Friday approved a major change in the ‘Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme’ under the National Defence Fund. PM Modi approved the increased rates of scholarship from Rs. 2000 per month to Rs. 2500 per month for boys and from Rs. 2250 per month to Rs. 3000 per month for girls. The PM also extended the ambit of the Scholarship Scheme to the wards of State Police officials who are/were martyred during terror/naxal attacks. The quota of new scholarships for children of state police officials will be 500 in a year. The first meeting of the new Union Cabinet was held today at 5:30 pm. The meeting was scheduled a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Council of Ministers were sworn in at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Watch: PM Modi approves changes to ‘PM’s Scholarship Scheme’ under National Defence Fund × The Union Cabinet for the 17th Lok Sabha includes 24 cabinet ministers, 9 ministers of state with independent charge and 24 Ministers of State (MoS).

PM Modi approves major change to scholarship scheme, extends quota to wards of martyrs

PM Modi approves changes to ‘PM’s Scholarship Scheme’ under National Defence Fund. Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government’s first Union cabinet meeting was held today, a day after the PM and his council of ministers took the oath of office and secrecy.

PM Modi approves changes to ‘PM’s Scholarship Scheme’ under National Defence Fund

PM Modi's first cabinet meet underway at the south block, New Delhi. Watch this video to know more.

PM Modi's first cabinet meeting underway on National Security Issues

The decisive mandate to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-pm-modis-right-hand-man-is-indias-new-home-minister-223085">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> is a call of the people for a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/cabinet-20-most-ministers-retain-earlier-ministries-check-complete-list-223154">new India </a>where there is progress for all and the country transforms itself as an engine of global growth, President Ram Nath Kovind said.

He was addressing a banquet in honour of the heads and representatives of foreign governments attending the swearing-in-ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Thursday.

Kovind said the verdict is an affirmation of Modi's visionary leadership to build a New India, not in a distant future, but here and now.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-20-rajnath-singh-is-defence-minister-amit-shah-home-nirmala-sitharaman-gets-finace-223084">Modi 2.0: Rajnath Singh is Defence Minister, Amit Shah Home; Nirmala Sitharaman gets Finance</a>

"This mandate is a call from our people for an India where there is progress for all and no one is left behind; an India that is on course to eliminating extreme poverty in the coming decade, and to realising the potential in every girl-child; an India that is at work to harness new-age technology and the limitless energy of its youth," he said.

It calls for an India that wishes to connect deeper with its rich cultural past even as it draws the contours of its promising future, and an India that is fast transforming itself as an engine of global growth and a centre of global power-relations, the president said.

Kovind said aspirations run high in our people.

"They constantly yearn for a better life for themselves and their children. There is no let-up in their demand for good governance, equal opportunities and efficient and equitable delivery of public goods and services," the president said.

Modi leads a government that will continue to work selflessly and tirelessly to fulfil these aspirations and enable a life of dignity and respect to our citizens, he said.

Watch- Modi 2.0 cabinet portfolios announced: Nirmala gets Finance, Amit Shah takes Home

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Kovind said India's dreams are not for it alone.

"As we work for our progress, we remain deeply conscious of the support we draw from our close friends and our close neighbours. From the warm waters of the Indian Ocean to the earnest embrace of the Bay of Bengal and further to the shared cultural affinities and economic opportunities of Central Asia, our people embody similar hopes and aspirations," he said.

Over the centuries, India has been the centre-piece of a great trading system that has run from the heartland of Central Asia right to the Indian Ocean, the president said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/modi-20-prominent-faces-of-the-58-member-ministerial-team-222972">In pics: Prominent faces of the 58-member ministerial team</a>

"This is our legacy, and this is also our future. For all our people and for the global community, we must work together to foster peace and prosperity in our region and beyond. Our countries remain stakeholders in each other's progress and wellbeing," Kovind said.

Dignitaries attended the banquet include Bangladesh's President Mohammad Abdul Hamid, Sri Lanka's President Maithripala Sirisena, Sooronbai Zheenbekov, the President of Kyrgyz Republic and U Win Myint, the President of Myanmar.

Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, K P Sharma Oli, the Prime Minister of Nepal; Lotay Tshering, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bhutan and Grisada Boonrach, special envoy of the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand also attended the banquet.

The highest ever number of 8,000 guests, including VVIPs, attended the swearing-in ceremony of the prime minister and his Council of Ministers Thursday.

Rashtrapati Bhavan kitchen's speciality 'Dal Raisina' was served to foreign delegates in the banquet.

Kovind said aspirations run high in our people.

"They constantly yearn for a better life for themselves and their children. There is no let-up in their demand for good governance, equal opportunities and efficient and equitable delivery of public goods and services," the president said.

Modi leads a government that will continue to work selflessly and tirelessly to fulfill these aspirations and enable a life of dignity and respect to our citizens, he said.

Kovind said India's dreams are not for it alone.

"As we work for our progress, we remain deeply conscious of the support we draw from our close friends and our close neighbours. From the warm waters of the Indian Ocean to the earnest embrace of the Bay of Bengal and further to the shared cultural affinities and economic opportunities of Central Asia, our people embody similar hopes and aspirations," he said.

Over the centuries, India has been the centre-piece of a great trading system that has run from the heartland of Central Asia right to the Indian Ocean, the president said.

"This is our legacy, and this is also our future. For all our people and for the global community, we must work together to foster peace and prosperity in our region and beyond. Our countries remain stakeholders in each other's progress and wellbeing," Kovind said.

Dignitaries attended the banquet include Bangladesh's President Mohammad Abdul Hamid, Sri Lanka's President Maithripala Sirisena, Sooronbai Zheenbekov, the President of Kyrgyz Republic and U Win Myint, the President of Myanmar.

Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, K P Sharma Oli, the Prime Minister of Nepal; Lotay Tshering, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bhutan and Grisada Boonrach, special envoy of the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand also attended the banquet.

The highest ever number of 8,000 guests, including VVIPs, attended the swearing-in ceremony of the prime minister and his Council of Ministers Thursday.

Rashtrapati Bhavan kitchen's speciality 'Dal Raisina' was served to foreign delegates in the banquet.

The decisive mandate to Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a call of the people for a new India where there is progress for all and the country transforms itself as an engine of global growth, President Ram Nath Kovind said.

The decisive mandate to Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a call of the people for a new India where there is progress for all and the country transforms itself as an engine of global growth, President Ram Nath Kovind said. He was addressing a banquet in honour of the heads and representatives of foreign governments attending the swearing-in-ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Thursday. Kovind said the verdict is an affirmation of Modi's visionary leadership to build a New India, not in a distant future, but here and now. Also read: Modi 2.0: Rajnath Singh is Defence Minister, Amit Shah Home; Nirmala Sitharaman gets Finance "This mandate is a call from our people for an India where there is progress for all and no one is left behind; an India that is on course to eliminating extreme poverty in the coming decade, and to realising the potential in every girl-child; an India that is at work to harness new-age technology and the limitless energy of its youth," he said. It calls for an India that wishes to connect deeper with its rich cultural past even as it draws the contours of its promising future, and an India that is fast transforming itself as an engine of global growth and a centre of global power-relations, the president said. Kovind said aspirations run high in our people. "They constantly yearn for a better life for themselves and their children. There is no let-up in their demand for good governance, equal opportunities and efficient and equitable delivery of public goods and services," the president said. Modi leads a government that will continue to work selflessly and tirelessly to fulfil these aspirations and enable a life of dignity and respect to our citizens, he said. Watch- Modi 2.0 cabinet portfolios announced: Nirmala gets Finance, Amit Shah takes Home × Kovind said India's dreams are not for it alone. "As we work for our progress, we remain deeply conscious of the support we draw from our close friends and our close neighbours. From the warm waters of the Indian Ocean to the earnest embrace of the Bay of Bengal and further to the shared cultural affinities and economic opportunities of Central Asia, our people embody similar hopes and aspirations," he said. Over the centuries, India has been the centre-piece of a great trading system that has run from the heartland of Central Asia right to the Indian Ocean, the president said. In pics: Prominent faces of the 58-member ministerial team "This is our legacy, and this is also our future. For all our people and for the global community, we must work together to foster peace and prosperity in our region and beyond. Our countries remain stakeholders in each other's progress and wellbeing," Kovind said. Dignitaries attended the banquet include Bangladesh's President Mohammad Abdul Hamid, Sri Lanka's President Maithripala Sirisena, Sooronbai Zheenbekov, the President of Kyrgyz Republic and U Win Myint, the President of Myanmar. Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, K P Sharma Oli, the Prime Minister of Nepal; Lotay Tshering, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bhutan and Grisada Boonrach, special envoy of the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand also attended the banquet. The highest ever number of 8,000 guests, including VVIPs, attended the swearing-in ceremony of the prime minister and his Council of Ministers Thursday. Rashtrapati Bhavan kitchen's speciality 'Dal Raisina' was served to foreign delegates in the banquet. Kovind said aspirations run high in our people. "They constantly yearn for a better life for themselves and their children. There is no let-up in their demand for good governance, equal opportunities and efficient and equitable delivery of public goods and services," the president said. Modi leads a government that will continue to work selflessly and tirelessly to fulfill these aspirations and enable a life of dignity and respect to our citizens, he said. Kovind said India's dreams are not for it alone. "As we work for our progress, we remain deeply conscious of the support we draw from our close friends and our close neighbours. From the warm waters of the Indian Ocean to the earnest embrace of the Bay of Bengal and further to the shared cultural affinities and economic opportunities of Central Asia, our people embody similar hopes and aspirations," he said. Over the centuries, India has been the centre-piece of a great trading system that has run from the heartland of Central Asia right to the Indian Ocean, the president said. "This is our legacy, and this is also our future. For all our people and for the global community, we must work together to foster peace and prosperity in our region and beyond. Our countries remain stakeholders in each other's progress and wellbeing," Kovind said. Dignitaries attended the banquet include Bangladesh's President Mohammad Abdul Hamid, Sri Lanka's President Maithripala Sirisena, Sooronbai Zheenbekov, the President of Kyrgyz Republic and U Win Myint, the President of Myanmar. Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, K P Sharma Oli, the Prime Minister of Nepal; Lotay Tshering, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bhutan and Grisada Boonrach, special envoy of the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand also attended the banquet. The highest ever number of 8,000 guests, including VVIPs, attended the swearing-in ceremony of the prime minister and his Council of Ministers Thursday. Rashtrapati Bhavan kitchen's speciality 'Dal Raisina' was served to foreign delegates in the banquet.

Strong mandate is a call from our people for new India: President Ram Nath Kovind

BJP president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-pm-modis-right-hand-man-is-indias-new-home-minister-223085">Amit Shah </a>and former Foreign Secretary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/s-jaishankar-is-the-new-foreign-minister-will-replace-sushma-swaraj-223083">S. Jaishankar </a>are the most prominent faces in the considerable number of first-timers in Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s Cabinet.

While Shah got hold of the Home Ministry, Jaishankar will helm External Affairs.

Modi`s Cabinet has six new Cabinet ministers and close to 15 new Ministers of State.

Here`s how the new faces have fared -Former Uttrakhand chief minister Ramesh Pokhriyal will be handling the HRD ministry.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-20-rajnath-singh-is-defence-minister-amit-shah-home-nirmala-sitharaman-gets-finace-223084">Modi 2.0: Rajnath Singh is Defence Minister, Amit Shah Home; Nirmala Sitharaman gets Finance</a>

Popular tribal leader and former chief minister of Jharkhand, Arjun Munda, made it to the big league and will take care of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

Shiv Sena`s Arvind Ganpat Sawant, the MP from Mumbai-South, will now be the in-charge of Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises.

A lawmaker from Karnataka, Pralhad Joshi, who won with one of the highest margins in Karnataka, will head the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs along with the charge of Coal and Mines.

BJP MP from Chandauli, Mahendra Nath Pandey has been given the post of Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in the 17th Lok Sabha.

Under the category of Ministers of State, new-inductee Anurag Thakur will be part of the Finance Ministry.

Debasree Chaudhuri from West Bengal will be the MoS in Women and Child Development Ministry.

Talked about for his austere lifestyle, BJP MP from Odisha Pratap Chandra Sarangi will look after MSMEs and Ministry of Animal Husbandry.

Other new Ministers of State are - Prahalad Singh Patel G Kishan Reddy, Sanjay Shamrao Dhotre, Debasree Chaudhuri, Kailash Choudhary, Rameswar Teli Nityanand Rai, Rattan Lal Kataria, V Muraleedharan, Renuka Singh Saruta, Som Parkash and Angadi Suresh Channabasappa.&nbsp;

BJP president Amit Shah and former Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar are the most prominent faces in the considerable number of first-timers in Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s Cabinet.

BJP president Amit Shah and former Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar are the most prominent faces in the considerable number of first-timers in Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s Cabinet. While Shah got hold of the Home Ministry, Jaishankar will helm External Affairs. Modi`s Cabinet has six new Cabinet ministers and close to 15 new Ministers of State. Here`s how the new faces have fared -Former Uttrakhand chief minister Ramesh Pokhriyal will be handling the HRD ministry. Also read: Modi 2.0: Rajnath Singh is Defence Minister, Amit Shah Home; Nirmala Sitharaman gets Finance Popular tribal leader and former chief minister of Jharkhand, Arjun Munda, made it to the big league and will take care of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. Shiv Sena`s Arvind Ganpat Sawant, the MP from Mumbai-South, will now be the in-charge of Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises. A lawmaker from Karnataka, Pralhad Joshi, who won with one of the highest margins in Karnataka, will head the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs along with the charge of Coal and Mines. BJP MP from Chandauli, Mahendra Nath Pandey has been given the post of Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in the 17th Lok Sabha. Under the category of Ministers of State, new-inductee Anurag Thakur will be part of the Finance Ministry. Debasree Chaudhuri from West Bengal will be the MoS in Women and Child Development Ministry. Talked about for his austere lifestyle, BJP MP from Odisha Pratap Chandra Sarangi will look after MSMEs and Ministry of Animal Husbandry. Other new Ministers of State are - Prahalad Singh Patel G Kishan Reddy, Sanjay Shamrao Dhotre, Debasree Chaudhuri, Kailash Choudhary, Rameswar Teli Nityanand Rai, Rattan Lal Kataria, V Muraleedharan, Renuka Singh Saruta, Som Parkash and Angadi Suresh Channabasappa.

Modi Cabinet 2.0: First-timers and their portfolios

Anurag Singh Thakur becomes Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance and Minister of State in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Watch this video to know more.

Modi Cabinet 2.0: Anurag Singh Thakur enters the big league

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral meeting with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena. PM Modi began bi-lateral interactions after taking oath as the 15th Prime Minister of India. Last night he met Kyrgyzstan President Sooronbay Jeenbekov. Several BIMSTEC leaders arrived in India to take part in PM Modi’s oath-taking ceremony. Watch this video to know more.

PM Modi holds bilateral meeting with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena

"Never asked for two seats, as reported in media. The government gave us a symbolic representation. We informed them that it is ok we don't need it. It is not a big issue, we are fully in NDA and not upset at all. We are working together,no confusion," says JDU chief Nitish Kumar. Watch this video to know more.

Nitish Kumar denies grudge against BJP over cabinet berths

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