The leader of the National Democratic Alliance coalition that won India's parliamentary elections , Narendra Modi was sworn in as the Prime Minister of the country and the ceremony was telecasted by local TV channels.
According to the results of the vote, Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (Indian People's Party - ed.) failed to get an absolute majority for the first time in ten years - winning 240 seats, 32 short of the simple majority needed for forming a government. Together with the votes of the parties included in the National Democratic Alliance, this political union received 292 seats in the parliament, which allowed it to form a new coalition government.
After being sworn in, Modi became the first Prime Minister since Jawaharlal Nehru to serve three consecutive terms as head of government. Along with him, Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh, who were home and defense ministers in the previous cabinet and will continue to work in the new government, were sworn in.
The ceremony took place under increased security measures. More than 2,500 paramilitaries, commandos and snipers were deployed to prevent disturbances in the presidential palace area.
Guests at the ceremony included Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Maldives President Mohamed Muizu, Seychelles Vice President Ahmed Afif, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and the Prime Minister of Bhutan Tshering Tobgai.
According to a Bharatiya Janata Party source, the guest list will reflect the priorities of the new Modi government.