New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu hosted a banquet at Rashtrapati Bhavan last night in honour of the leaders of neighbouring countries attending Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony.
The banquet was attended by prominent leaders including Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, Vice President of Seychelles Ahmed Afif, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, and Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay.
In her welcome address, President Murmu expressed her gratitude to the leaders for accepting the invitation and participating in the celebration of democracy.
She highlighted that their presence underscores the importance of India’s ‘Neighborhood First’ policy and the SAGAR Vision for the Indian Ocean region.
“As stakeholders in each other’s progress and well-being, we count on our closest friends and neighbours to work with us to foster peace and prosperity in our region and beyond,” President Murmu remarked.
The President also extended her best wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he assumed his responsibilities, expressing hope for his continued success in serving the people of the country.
