Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is riding high on the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) decisive wins in the recent state elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. The victories, which defied historical anti-incumbency trends, are seen as a significant boost for the BJP ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, potentially strengthening Modi’s position as the frontrunner for a third term. Modi has been addressing rallies celebrating the wins, framing them as a validation of his government’s policies and a mandate for continued development.

The Congress party, the principal opposition, is reeling from the electoral setbacks and is undergoing internal restructuring and discussions, with debates on leadership and strategy intensifying. Meanwhile, Modi concluded a visit to the United Arab Emirates, where agreements were signed on renewable energy, technology collaboration, and investment, further solidifying India’s commitment to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). The IMEC, discussed during the G20 summit in September, has the potential to reshape global trade routes.

India’s GDP growth for the second quarter of the fiscal year 2023-24 was reported at 7.6%, exceeding expectations. However, concerns persist regarding rural demand and inflationary pressures, particularly food inflation affecting lower and middle-income households. The government is implementing measures to control inflation, including managing food supply chains and targeted subsidies.

The Agnipath scheme, a short-term recruitment program for the armed forces, remains a point of contention, with opposition parties raising concerns about its impact on long-term military preparedness. The recently concluded parliamentary session was marred by disruptions and protests, largely fueled by the opposition’s demands for a discussion on the security breach in the new Parliament building, resulting in the suspension of several opposition MPs.

Internationally, India continues to champion the cause of the Global South within the G20 framework and is strengthening bilateral relationships with countries across Asia, Africa, and Europe. The geopolitical implications of the conflict in Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East remain central to India’s foreign policy calculations, with India advocating for peaceful resolution through dialogue.

The upcoming winter session of Parliament is expected to be contentious, with the opposition likely to press on issues of economic inequality, unemployment, and democratic norms, while the ruling BJP will push for the passage of key legislative agendas.