Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi scored a victory in the country's elections on June 4, securing a third term in power. Unlike in previous elections, which focused on domestic issues, diplomacy featured heavily in Modi's campaign. © Reuters

Modi's election setback follows campaign focused on India's foreign relations

Tough talk on Pakistan and China, but election tactics alienate the West

KIRAN SHARMA, Nikkei staff writer

June 5, 2024 11:12 JST

NEW DELHI -- Addressing thousands of his supporters at a rally in the politically crucial state of northern Uttar Pradesh on May 22, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a version of a stump speech he has given over and over throughout his 75-day election campaign.

"When India speaks in the global forums now, the whole world pays rapt attention," he told the huge crowd in Hindi. "When India takes decisions, the world tries to match its steps," Modi shouted, to sustained applause.