New Delhi : Narendra Modi takes over as the 15th Prime Minister of India today in the presence of an august gathering that includes Heads of SAARC nations and other foreign dignitaries, among them Pakistan premier Nawaz Sharif.
President Pranab Mukherjee will swear in Modi at 1800 hrs in the sprawling forecourt of the majestic Rashtrapati Bhawan.
The outreach to leaders of South Asia is seen as a bid to pave the way for peace and amity in the region. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who would be away on a pre-scheduled visit to Japan, will be represented by Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudahry. Bhutan Prime Minister Lyonchen Tshering Tobgay and Ms Chaudhury have already arrived for the ceremony. Modi will pay tributes to the father of the nation at 0730 hrs.
Consultations with the SAARC leaders will take place on May 27 at Hyderabad House.
Ahead of the deliberations,Pakistan and Sri Lanka have released Indian fishermen.
Mr Sharif’s delegation will include adviser on national security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhary.
Impregnable security in and around the Rashtrapati Bhawan comprises a ground-to-air cover on par with the Republic Day parade. (Agencies)
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