Neighboring countries invited to Modi 3.0 swearing-in ceremony, but not China-Pak, India gave a strong message without saying anything

All eyes are on the President of Maldives

Of all the neighbouring countries that have been invited to the swearing-in ceremony, the most special will be Maldives President Mohammad Muizzu. Muizzu is going to meet PM Modi for the first time. By accepting the invitation to the swearing-in ceremony, Maldives has made it clear that it wants to talk to India. Whereas recently, after the withdrawal of Indian troops from Maldives, the relations between the two countries had soured. Last year also, some ministers of Maldives had made objectionable comments about PM Modi, after which a controversy arose between the two countries. However, Maldives removed those ministers from their posts.

This meeting will also be special because Maldives President Muizzu came to power with the slogan 'Kick India Out'. Apart from this, he has signed a military agreement with Beijing, which allows the provision of free Chinese military assistance to promote strong bilateral relations. In February this year, a Chinese research ship Jian Yang Hong 03 arrived in Male. Although China insists that its ships are deployed for peaceful purposes, India's recently retired Navy Chief Admiral Hari Kumar had told NDTV that the Navy is concerned that these ships are exploring underwater areas and can be used to deploy submarines.

India is giving a severe blow to China's expansionist policy

China's expansionist policy is not hidden from anyone. It is running a military base in the African country Djibouti. This is China's first international base. Satellite imagery shows that this base is now fully operational. China has parked its major warships on newly built jetties that are large enough to park aircraft carriers in the future.

India has built a military base on Mauritius' Agalega Island to counter this Chinese base. Reports of construction and the presence of Indian military personnel on the island indicate that it may become a permanent base, although neither Mauritius nor India have spoken openly about future plans. Pictures here show that there is an airstrip on the island as well as a new jetty. It is believed to be the base for the Indian Navy's P-8 maritime reconnaissance aircraft, which will keep an eye on Chinese naval activities in the region.

China's hold will weaken in Sri Lanka too

India is preparing to respond to every move of China. India has also made preparations to control China's activities in Sri Lanka. In August 2022, India objected to the deployment of China's state-of-the-art missile and satellite tracking vessel Yang Wang 05 at Sri Lanka's Hambantota port. Colombo had given permission to China to develop the port, but now under the burden of debt, it has lost its control here and now a Chinese company has taken control of this port.

Indian companies are now playing a big role in the development of Sri Lanka's infrastructure. India's major strategic partner America is also helping in these plans. This can be understood in such a way that last year an American company promised to give Rs 4,600 crore for a project of Colombo Port. India's Adani Group has a 51% stake in this terminal. A Chinese company has a terminal at this port, from where China keeps an eye on Sri Lanka.

India stands shoulder to shoulder with Bhutan

China is trying to build relations with many countries on the coast of the Indian Ocean under the guise of economic partnership. Bhutan is an example of this. China attacked Bhutan's territories and cut down the mountains there. China built its cities on the land there. Since Bhutan has no military force, it remains a mute spectator to China's cutting off of its territory, which continues despite border talks.

Bhutan is also a very important neighbouring country for India. China has illegally occupied a large part of Doklam. This is the same place where a violent clash took place between Indian and Chinese soldiers in 2017. India is worried that the Chinese army will move towards the Siliguri Corridor. This is a narrow part connecting India to the North East. That is, if this route is closed, then India will be separated from its own North Eastern states.

Therefore, India is making many agreements to strengthen Bhutan. India has made many agreements in areas ranging from space to energy and education. PM Modi himself visited Thimpu in February. He was also awarded Bhutan's highest civilian honor, the Order of the Druk Gyalpo. Bhutan has also sought help from India for many projects.

A strong message given through gestures

Even though the issue of the heads of states of neighboring countries attending PM Modi's swearing-in ceremony will be limited to formal talks and thank you memos, its strong message will definitely reach our opposing neighbors. India's deliberate decision of not inviting China and Pakistan to the swearing-in ceremony points to our clear foreign policy and diplomacy. Through this step, India has made it clear that it is not only capable of stopping China's expansionist policy but is also going to lead the South Asian countries.