Analysts have long predicted that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi would win the national election against the opposition alliance, which has not named a consensus candidate for prime minister. This is due to the various criminal probes into his opponents and a tax investigation that froze the bank accounts of India’s largest opposition party, Congress. Western democracies have overlooked concerns about human rights and democratic freedoms in favor of forging an alliance with India to counter China’s growing assertiveness.
Modi’s stature in India has been enhanced by the country’s increasing diplomatic and economic influence, surpassing Britain to become the world’s fifth-largest economy in 2022. Many Indians, like Shikha Aggarwal, believe that Modi has brought a lot of respect and prestige to India during his term. People now view India and Indians with greater respect than before, attributing this to Modi’s leadership.
India’s national election has been held in seven phases over six weeks to accommodate the logistical challenges of staging an election in the world’s most populous country with over 1.4 billion people. The voter turnout has been slightly lower compared to the previous national election in 2019, with analysts attributing this to the widespread expectation of a Modi victory and the extreme heatwaves affecting northern states of India. Tragically, in the state of Bihar, ten poll workers died of heatstroke while preparing for the vote, highlighting the challenges faced during the election process.
Amidst the election process, the spotlight has been on Modi’s leadership and the impact he has had on India’s global standing. Despite criticisms of his handling of human rights and democratic freedoms, Modi’s image at home has been boosted by the nation’s rising economic and diplomatic influence. Many Indians feel that under Modi’s leadership, India has gained more respect and recognition on the international stage, a sentiment echoed by Shikha Aggarwal and others waiting to cast their votes.
The closely watched election has implications beyond India’s borders, as Western democracies are looking to cultivate India as a strategic ally to counterbalance China’s growing influence in the region. Despite concerns about human rights violations and democratic freedoms, India’s partnership with the West is seen as crucial in maintaining stability and security in the region. Modi’s leadership is viewed as a key factor in strengthening India’s position on the global stage and forging alliances with major powers.
As the election reaches its conclusion, the significance of Modi’s leadership and its impact on India’s standing in the world is evident. The election process has faced challenges, including logistical issues and tragic incidents like the deaths of poll workers due to heatstroke. However, the larger narrative revolves around India’s rising influence, Modi’s leadership style, and the country’s evolving role on the global stage. The sentiment of increased respect and prestige for India under Modi’s leadership is shared by many voters, reflecting the complexities and aspirations of a nation navigating its role in the world.
