Modi faces new reality of coalition government as he starts third term

NEW DELHI -- Narendra Modi has been sworn in as India's prime minister for a historic third straight term, becoming only the second leader after Jawaharlal Nehru to achieve the feat. Although his Bharatiya Janata Party lost its outright majority in the nation's recent general election, it is returning to power with the support of allies in the National Democratic Alliance.

"I look forward to serving [1.4 billion] Indians and working with the Council of Ministers to take India to new heights of progress," Modi posted on X, formerly Twitter, after taking an oath on Sunday evening at the Presidential Palace along with 71 ministers -- 11 of them allies. "This team of Ministers is a great blend of youth and experience, and we will leave no stone unturned in improving the lives of people," he said.