On June 4, the results for the Indian Lok Sabha elections 2024 started coming in. For many, the results came with an element of surprise, amidst the euphoria created by our Exit polls and expectations of the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP). Despite no single party getting the majority, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the BJP is set to form the next Government. Modi 3, as we may call it, led by Narendra Modi is well prepared to lead the nation once again.
In the last decade, India has well-positioned itself as an influential global player. Led by the pro-active diplomacy of the Narendra Modi Government, India has made a shift from being a ‘strategically reticent’ State to a ‘balancing power’ in global politics. As an “aspirational power”, India has refused to be drawn into any great power rivalries and has remained focussed on strengthening neighbourhood relations, soft power expansion, promoting humanitarian aid, building economic cooperation, fighting global terrorism and climate change, adherence to international laws and seeking UN security council reforms. In an editorial written by the Prime Minister himself, he reiterated that India is being “acknowledged as a strong and important voice of the Global South.” Modi 3.0 is likely to build on these continuities and achievements of foreign policy.