Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi underperformed in the recent elections, winning the most seats but needing coalition allies to form a government. Experts discuss challenges of BJP's underperformance, India's geopolitical position, nationalism under Modi's governance, economic challenges in a coalition government, and complexities of India-China relations.
Modi's party won most seats but needs coalition partners, challenging his power retention and governance style.
Election reflected shift towards stronger opposition focusing on local factors; effective coalition governments in India for reforms.
Deep dives
Modi's Third Term in Question
India's 2024 elections resulted in Narendra Modi's party winning the most seats but not enough for a majority, requiring coalition partners. This challenges Modi's accustomed power retention as he now needs to share control, impacting his governance style and decision-making. The election reflected a shift towards a stronger opposition, signaling a positive outcome for Indian democracy.
Campaign Focused on Local Issues
The election campaign in India saw a departure from a centralized national agenda, focusing more on local factors such as caste dynamics, incumbency, and economic issues. The opposition's disciplined messaging criticizing the government's handling of the economy and social injustice resonated with voters, impacting the election results.
Lessons from Coalition Governance
The podcast discusses the historical context of coalition governments in India, emphasizing their role in economic reforms and accommodating diverse political interests. Coalition governance in India has proven effective in passing critical reforms and providing checks and balances, highlighting the potential benefits of shared power dynamics.
Implications for Foreign Relations
The podcast explores the potential impact of the election results on India's foreign relations, particularly with China and the United States. The discussion touches upon Modi's previous assertive foreign policy approach and the need for adaptability in navigating geopolitical challenges while overseeing a coalition government.
From pundits to polls, there was a wide expectation this year that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi would not only win a rare third consecutive term, but also secure an even bigger parliamentary majority than he had before. As results emerged on Tuesday, it was clear that India’s voters had other ideas. Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party won the most seats—more than the entire opposition alliance combined—but it will need the help of coalition allies to form a government.
How will Modi govern in a third term, and what will it mean for the world? FP’s Ravi Agrawal is joined by experts Milan Vaishnav and Yamini Aiyar to discuss.