Editorial | A weakened Modi is nevertheless a force to be reckoned with
- Indian PM remains a global and regional player after winning a third term in office, albeit without a parliamentary majority for his party
Narendra Modi has won a third term as Indian prime minister, but with the loss of an outright parliamentary majority for his Bharatiya Janata Party, which will now govern with the support of regional allied parties.
In an election closely watched in Beijing, Washington and Moscow, the BJP’s setback is attributed to a focus on the nationalist and religious issues instead of the cost of living, jobs and other livelihood concerns that resonated with voters.
The opposition proved more in tune with them. As a result, the BJP surprisingly shed support in northern Indian state strongholds, including Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Maharashtra.
The fruits of headline economic growth data during Modi’s previous term were not shared evenly and the growth in consumption was lacklustre, underscoring the need for him to double down on delivering growth.
Modi may appear politically weakened, but he still enjoys the highest popularity rating for a world leader, according to opinion polls.
So it remains to be seen whether the result means anything in the near term for India’s uneasy relationship with China, including a border dispute, and for evolving ties with the United States, including membership with the US, Australia and Japan in the Quad Indo-Pacific security group.
