Narendra Modi retains finance, defense, other core cabinet ministers

NEW DELHI -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi retained his top ministers on Monday as he begins his historic third consecutive term, including those handling the key portfolios of finance, foreign affairs, defense and home affairs, while accommodating allies whose support was crucial to form the new government.

The cabinet announcement late Monday came a day after the swearing in of Modi and 71 ministers of the new government of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) headed by the prime minister's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office at a ceremony attended by several thousand guests, including foreign dignitaries.