In a momentous event, Narendra Modi took the oath of office for his third term as the Prime Minister of India. The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, was a grand spectacle, attended by a host of national and international dignitaries. This article provides live updates and an in-depth look at the significant moments and key figures who will be part of the Modi 3.0 Cabinet.
A Historic Day for India
The atmosphere at the Rashtrapati Bhavan was electric as Narendra Modi, along with his council of ministers, took the oath of office. The event was a display of India’s democratic strength and the smooth transition of power, a hallmark of the world’s largest democracy.
The Oath-Taking Ceremony
President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office to Narendra Modi and his Cabinet ministers. Modi’s swearing-in marks the beginning of his third consecutive term, a testament to his enduring popularity and the trust placed in him by the Indian electorate.
Key Highlights
- Modi’s Arrival: Prime Minister Modi arrived at Rashtrapati Bhavan, greeted by enthusiastic supporters and party workers. His arrival was marked by chants of “Modi, Modi” and the waving of the Indian flag.
- Dignitaries in Attendance: The ceremony saw the presence of several high-profile guests, including leaders from SAARC countries, prominent industrialists, celebrities, and political leaders from across the spectrum.
- The Swearing-In: Modi took the oath first, followed by his key Cabinet ministers. The ceremony was broadcast live across various platforms, ensuring that millions of Indians could witness this historic event.
The Modi 3.0 Cabinet
The composition of the new Cabinet has been a topic of intense speculation and interest. Here’s a look at some of the prominent faces in the Modi 3.0 Cabinet:
Amit Shah – Home Minister
Amit Shah retains his position as the Home Minister. Known for his strategic acumen and close association with Modi, Shah’s continuation in this role indicates a focus on internal security and governance reforms.
Nirmala Sitharaman – Finance Minister
Nirmala Sitharaman continues as the Finance Minister, a role she has held since 2019. Her tenure has been marked by significant economic reforms and handling of the COVID-19 economic fallout.
Rajnath Singh – Defence Minister
Rajnath Singh remains the Defence Minister, overseeing India’s defence policy and modernization of the armed forces. His experience and leadership are seen as crucial in maintaining national security.
S. Jaishankar – External Affairs Minister
S. Jaishankar continues to serve as the External Affairs Minister, a position he has held with distinction. His diplomatic expertise is key to navigating India’s complex international relations.
Smriti Irani – Women and Child Development Minister
Smriti Irani, known for her dynamic presence and effective leadership, remains the Women and Child Development Minister. Her focus on women empowerment and child welfare programs has been widely appreciated.
New Faces in the Cabinet
The Modi 3.0 Cabinet also includes several new faces, reflecting the Prime Minister’s emphasis on fresh perspectives and regional representation.
Anurag Thakur – Information and Broadcasting Minister
Anurag Thakur, previously the Minister of State for Finance, has been elevated to the position of Information and Broadcasting Minister. His appointment is seen as part of Modi’s strategy to strengthen the government’s communication outreach.
Piyush Goyal – Commerce and Industry Minister
Piyush Goyal, who has held various portfolios in the past, takes charge of the Commerce and Industry Ministry. His role will be crucial in boosting India’s trade and industrial growth.
Mansukh Mandaviya – Health Minister
Mansukh Mandaviya has been appointed as the Health Minister. Given the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, his role is critical in managing public health and vaccination drives.
Allies in the Cabinet
The inclusion of key allies in the Cabinet underscores Modi’s commitment to coalition politics and inclusive governance.
Nitish Kumar – Minister of Rural Development
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has been given the Rural Development portfolio. His extensive experience in governance is expected to bring significant improvements in rural infrastructure and welfare programs.
Ram Vilas Paswan – Consumer Affairs Minister
Ram Vilas Paswan, a seasoned politician, continues as the Consumer Affairs Minister. His role is vital in ensuring consumer protection and food security.
Modi’s Vision for the Third Term
In his address following the swearing-in, Prime Minister Modi outlined his vision for the next five years. Emphasizing “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas,” he reiterated his commitment to inclusive growth and development.
Key Priorities
- Economic Revival: Reviving the economy post-pandemic remains a top priority. Modi highlighted plans for economic reforms, infrastructure development, and job creation.
- Healthcare: Strengthening the healthcare system, ensuring widespread vaccination, and preparing for future health crises are critical areas of focus.
- Education and Skill Development: Modi emphasized the importance of education and skill development in driving India’s growth. Initiatives to improve the quality of education and enhance skill training will be pursued vigorously.
- Digital India: Continuing the push towards digitalization, Modi’s government aims to harness technology for governance, education, and economic activities.
- National Security: Ensuring national security through modernization of the armed forces and robust internal security measures will remain a cornerstone of Modi’s policy.
International Reactions
The global community has closely watched Modi’s swearing-in ceremony. Leaders from around the world have sent their congratulations, reflecting India’s growing influence on the global stage.
US President’s Message
US President Joe Biden extended his congratulations to Modi, highlighting the strong bilateral relations between India and the United States. He expressed hope for continued cooperation in various sectors, including defense, trade, and climate change.
UK Prime Minister’s Greetings
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak congratulated Modi, emphasizing the historical ties and shared democratic values between the two countries. He expressed eagerness to work together on global challenges.
