Will Imran Khan be invited to PM Modi's swearing-in ceremony? Here is a list of probable invitees

As the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) swept to power with a spectacular performance for a second term in office, all eyes are now on the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, amid speculations that several international leaders will take part at the mega event later in the month. Though there is no official confirmation on the list of invitees so far, sources close to the development suggest that leaders from the immediate neighbourhood states, SE Asia and West Asia are likely to mark attendance to greet and congratulate PM Modi.

Among the probable invitees are Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, Russian President Vladimir Putin, French President Emmanuel Macron, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. However, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hashina, who is also likely to be invited for the event, may have to skip the ceremony owing to her East Asia trip from May 28.

Meanwhile, another burning question which is creating buzz all over is - will Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan be invited to the oath-taking ceremony? While one can remember that Khan's predecessor Nawaz Sharif had accepted Modi's invitation in 2014, this time India is unlikely to invite Pakistan on the heels of Pulwama and Balakot in late February.

However, Khan had on Thursday congratulated Modi on his electoral triumph and expressed desire to work with him for peace and desire. "I congratulate Prime Minister Modi on the electoral victory of BJP and allies. Look forward to working with him for peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia," Khan tweeted in both English and Urdu.

I congratulate Prime Minister Modi on the electoral victory of BJP and allies. Look forward to working with him for peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) May 23, 2019

In 2014 too, Sharif's presence at Modi's swearing in ceremony indicated towards a new chapter to start in the India-Pakistan relationship, but things went rapidly downhill.

Though China, it seems, wants to better its ties with India, as of now there is no confirmation on whether dignitaries from the country would be invited to the swearing-in ceremony of PM Modi or not.

Prime Minister Modi, who led his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) towards a super-sized victory in 2019 elections, likely to meet President Ram Nath Kovind ON Saturday evening to stake a claim to form the new government. Post that, Modi will be taking oath as the next Prime Minister of India in New Delhi on May 30, according to an official at the President’s office.

The NDA returned to power with a massive majority in the Lok Sabha elections with the BJP alone bagging 303 of total 542 seats contested. Elections were held in 542 of the 543 seats. The election in Vellore Lok Sabha seat was cancelled by the Election Commission citing abuse of money power.