Narendra Modi is poised to take oath as Prime Minister for the third consecutive time on Saturday (June 8) following his unanimous election as the leader of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at a crucial meeting in Delhi.
**Distinguished Guests**
India has extended invitations to several prominent South Asian leaders for this historic occasion, aligning with the NDA government’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. Among the invited dignitaries are Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
According to diplomatic sources, Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, and Prime Minister of Mauritius Pravind Jugnauth are also on the guest list for the grand ceremony.
Both Wickremesinghe and Hasina have confirmed their attendance after speaking with PM Modi over the phone. Sri Lanka’s President’s office media division confirmed Wickremesinghe’s acceptance of the invitation and conveyed his congratulations to Modi on the electoral victory.
Modi personally extended invitations to Hasina and Wickremesinghe during their phone conversations, which they graciously accepted, as per diplomatic sources. Additionally, Modi had a separate conversation with Prachanda.
**Formal Invitations**
Formal invitations to all leaders are scheduled to be sent out on Thursday, ensuring ample time for arrangements.
**Historic Third Term**
Modi’s upcoming term marks a historic third consecutive term as Prime Minister, with the BJP-led NDA securing a significant victory in the Lok Sabha polls. While the BJP fell short of a majority on its own, the NDA alliance secured 293 seats out of 543, comfortably crossing the majority mark of 272.
**Notable Attendees**
SAARC leaders attended Modi’s first swearing-in ceremony after the BJP’s massive electoral victory, while leaders of BIMSTEC countries graced the event in 2019 for his second consecutive term as Prime Minister.
