India recently held its massive parliamentary elections, resulting in a complex and contradictory outcome. Despite winning the most seats, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP party lost a significant number of seats compared to the previous election. This means Modi will now need support from coalition partners to govern.
There were clear signs of disapproval towards Modi’s use of Hindu nationalism, as seen in the election results. His victory margin in Varanasi was one of the lowest for a sitting Indian prime minister, while his rival Rahul Gandhi secured impressive victories in his constituencies.
The BJP also faced losses in key constituencies, indicating possible shifts in Modi’s foreign policy approach for his third term. His focus on Hindu nationalist goals in foreign relations may need to be reevaluated, as domestic issues like unemployment and social mobility took precedence for voters.
With coalition politics now in play, India’s foreign partners will need to adjust their strategies. Modi’s personalized approach to foreign policy may no longer be viable, as a wider range of political voices shape India’s future diplomatic direction.
While concerns linger about slower reforms under a coalition government, history shows that coalition politics in India have often led to successful reforms by fostering public debate and broad stakeholder involvement. The new era may also result in a more tempered diplomatic approach, diverging from India’s recent nationalist tendencies.
It remains to be seen how Modi’s government will navigate these challenges, but the need for coalition support could lead to a shift in India’s global stance. Despite Modi’s reelection, expectations are high for a different tone from New Delhi on the international stage.