India’s elections concluded on June 4 after spanning six weeks, starting on April 19 and ending on June 1. The lengthy process is necessary due to the size of the electorate and the need for security, a longstanding feature of India’s national elections.
The recent elections were for the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Parliament, with 543 seats. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alone secured 303 seats, forming a ruling coalition with partners in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to reach a total of 353 seats.
In the latest elections, the BJP won 240 seats, falling short of a majority, while the NDA secured 293 seats. Despite a decrease in seats, the coalition is expected to remain stable due to the insignificant nature of most partner parties.
Although initial expectations suggested an improvement in the BJP’s position, the actual results fell short. However, the government is likely to be secure until the next elections, given the weakened bargaining power of coalition partners.
The outcome raises questions about future policy initiatives, both in domestic and foreign affairs. Caution may dominate decision-making, especially with critical state elections looming in Maharashtra, Haryana, Delhi, and Bihar.
While foreign policy typically plays a limited role in Indian elections, India’s stance on China and its relations with the West are expected to continue. The Modi government may adopt a more cautious approach, considering the upcoming electoral landscape.