The focus on the western and southern Indian Ocean region (IOR), where India has long provided security and been the first responder in times of crisis, is reflected in the invitations sent to heads of state and government from Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Mauritius, and the Seychelles for the June 9 swearing-in of the next Narendra Modi administration.

Of the four nations in the Indian Ocean region, the focus will be on President Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives, who came to office on a platform of pro-China, anti-Indian sentiment and continued to speak in that manner until his party emerged victorious in legislative elections a few months ago.

Increasing Assistance
Since then, Muizzu has tried to approach India.

Experts on the Indian Ocean Region stated that India handled the Maldives’ marital problems maturely and refrained from retaliating against Muizzu. India must help the Maldives economy, which is in difficult circumstances. India, on its part, is eager to carry forward initiatives that the former Ibu Solih administration started in the Maldives. Muizzu might be reminded of India’s concerns on the way China’s defense outreach affects New Delhi’s security in the area.

Vice President Ahmed Afif’s presence presents a chance to fortify the relationship between Seychelles and India, a longstanding partner, as visits by Seychelles leaders to that country have decreased in recent years.

Ranil Wickremesinghe, the president of Sri Lanka, was one of the first foreign dignitaries to congratulate Modi on June 4, the day the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) emerged victorious and he was sworn in for a third term as prime minister. Wickremesinghe may run for the island’s presidency later this year, so he will be eager to have India’s backing. Over the past two years, relations between India and Sri Lanka have improved, but China still has a significant influence in the island nation.

India is well-known to Premier Pravind Kumar Jugnauth of Mauritius since his nation is still a reliable strategic ally in the western Indian Ocean region. Later this year, Jugnauth plans to run for reelection.

Sheikh Hasina, the prime minister of Bangladesh, came on Saturday to take part in the swearing-in event. She is anticipated to meet with Modi one-on-one to discuss the next steps in programs aimed at promoting cross-border connectivity, particularly infrastructural projects.