Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended invitations to Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to attend his swearing-in ceremony scheduled for Sunday, June 9. Both leaders have accepted the invitation, marking another chapter in India’s diplomatic engagement with its neighbors.

On June 5, during a phone call, President Wickremesinghe congratulated PM Modi on the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance’s electoral victory. In response, Modi thanked Wickremesinghe, highlighting the significance of Sri Lanka in India’s Neighbourhood First policy. “Sri Lanka is an important partner in our Neighbourhood First policy. India is proud to be a dependable partner for Sri Lanka. I look forward to realizing our joint vision of enhancing connectivity in all its dimensions,” Modi wrote.

Similarly, PM Modi extended an invitation to Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina following a telephonic conversation.

Historical Invitations

This is not the first time PM Modi has extended such invitations. In 2014, for his first oath ceremony, all SAARC heads of state were invited. In 2019, leaders from BIMSTEC countries, as well as Mauritius and Kyrgyzstan, were included. These invitations highlight India’s commitment to regional cooperation and solidarity.

President Wickremesinghe’s recent visit to India on July 21, 2023, at PM Modi’s invitation, underscores the strong bilateral relations. During this visit, Wickremesinghe met with President Droupadi Murmu and other Indian dignitaries, discussing a range of bilateral issues.

More Invitations

Attention is now focused on which other leaders will be invited to the ceremony. In 2014 and 2019, SAARC and BIMSTEC leaders were invited, reflecting India’s regional outreach. As Sri Lanka is a member of both groups, its leaders have been regular invitees.

Officials have not ruled out invitations to leaders from other regional countries, including those from the Gulf and Central Asia. However, the ability of these leaders to attend will depend on their availability at short notice. Security preparations in Delhi suggest that high-level visitors are anticipated.

In the coming weeks, several South Asian leaders, including those from Bangladesh, Bhutan, and possibly Sri Lanka, are expected to visit India, further cementing regional ties.