New Delhi: Vice President of Seychelles, Ahmed Afif, arrived in New Delhi on Saturday to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi, scheduled for Sunday. He was received at the airport by Muktesh Pardeshi, Secretary (CPV & OIA).
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal welcomed Afif's arrival, stating on X, "Warm welcome to VP Ahmed Afif of Seychelles as he arrives in New Delhi to attend the swearing-in ceremony of PM @narendramodi and Council of Ministers." He added that this visit will enhance bilateral relations.
Earlier, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrived in Delhi, becoming the first distinguished foreign guest for the swearing-in ceremony. Jaiswal noted, "First distinguished guest sets foot in New Delhi for the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister and Council of Ministers. PM Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh was warmly received by Secy (CPV & OIA) @mukteshpardeshi as she arrived in New Delhi. This visit of one of our most valued partners will further strengthen close and deep-rooted bonds of friendship."
Prime Minister Modi is set to be sworn in for his third consecutive term, as announced by the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday. Members of his council of ministers will also take their oaths on the same day.
Several leaders and state heads from the neighboring region and the Indian Ocean region have been invited as distinguished guests, reflecting India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced, "President of Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremesinghe; President of Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu; Vice-President of Seychelles, Ahmed Afif; Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina; Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Kumar Jugnauth; Prime Minister of Nepal, Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda'; and Prime Minister of Bhutan, Tshering Tobgay, have accepted the invitation to attend."
Additionally, the MEA mentioned that besides participating in the swearing-in ceremony, the leaders will also attend a banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan later that evening.
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