Optimism as Sharif attends Modi inauguration
Print Edition
NARENDRA Modi took the oath of office as India’s new prime minister at the sprawling presidential palace yesterday, a moment made more historic by the presence of the leader of archrival Pakistan.
Modi’s inauguration is the first to which India invited leaders from across South Asia. Heads of government from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Maldives, Nepal and Afghanistan attended, and Bangladesh was represented by the speaker of its Parliament.
But most eyes remained on Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, whose visit could signal a thaw in relations between the often hostile neighbors.
Indian President Pranab Mukherjee administered the oath to Modi and his Cabinet as thousands of guests, including politicians, business leaders and movie stars, watched. Outgoing Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was seated next to Sharif.
Analysts said Sharif’s presence signaled an easing of tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors. Pakistan and India have fought three wars since their independence from Britain in 1947.
Modi and Sharif are to hold formal talks today.
Sharif called his visit “a chance to reach out to each other” and “a great opportunity,” in an interview with NDTV news channel.
“Both governments have a strong mandate. This could help in turning a new page in our relations,” he added.
Modi and his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party won 282 seats in the 543-member lower house of Parliament, well ahead of the 272 it needed for a majority. Analysts say that gives Modi a free hand in choosing priorities without being constrained by coalition partners.
Modi promised during the campaign that his goals would be good governance, job creation and fighting corruption, — a message that struck a chord with voters.
In an early indication that he plans to streamline government, Modi’s office said several ministries, especially those dealing with infrastructure, will be combined to improve efficiency and reduce red tape.
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