Modi wins third term in Indian elections with closer-than-expected results

Suddenly, the aura of invincibility around Narendra Modi was shattered.

In an Indian election in which the slogan had promised a landslide victory and Mr. Modi even repeatedly called himself sent by God, the results announced on Tuesday were surprisingly disappointing.

Mr. Modi, 73, is set to begin a third consecutive term as prime minister, after the Election Commission confirmed on Wednesday morning that the parties making up his coalition had collectively passed the majority mark in Parliament. It's a feat only one other Indian leader has accomplished, and his Bharatiya Janata Party, or B.J.P., won far more seats than any other party.

But instead of a stunning victory, the B.J.P. lost dozens of seats. He now finds himself at the mercy of his coalition partners – including a politician known for frequently switching sides – to stay in power, a stark reversal ten years into Mr Modi's transformational term.India General Elections 2024: Live Results

See Indian Lok Sabha Elections Results and Maps from 2024.

When the results were announced, the country's stock markets plunged. Opposition parties, newly united in what they called an effort to save the country's democracy, rejoiced. And India, while extending Mr. Modi's firm grip on power, learned that there are limits to his political power, even as he contested elections, usually fought seat by seat, squarely for himself.

Mr. Modi took a more positive view in a statement on X declaring that his coalition had won a third term. “It is a historic feat in Indian history,” he said.

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