Narendra Modi, at 73 years old, took the oath of office for his third term as India's prime minister at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Sunday. Despite his Bharatiya Janata Party not winning enough seats in the parliamentary election, Modi's National Democratic Alliance coalition managed to secure the majority needed to form a government. This marks a significant shift for the BJP under Modi, as it now relies on regional allies like the Telugu Desam Party and Janata Dal to stay in power, previously commanding a majority in Parliament for a decade.

The latest election results showed Modi's BJP falling short of the 272 seats needed for a majority, winning 240 seats in the lower house of Parliament. The NDA coalition, however, achieved a total of 293 seats, ensuring a government with Modi leading the way. While Modi's supporters applaud his economic growth initiatives and enhanced global reputation, his critics accuse him of eroding democracy and secularism in India through actions that have targeted minorities, especially Muslims. Additionally, his political opponents highlight concerns over issues like high unemployment and increasing inequality despite the country's economic growth. The swearing-in ceremony garnered attention from leaders across South Asia, with notable figures like Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal among those in attendance.