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Narendra Modi's crushing election win over the governing Congress party in May 2014, signalled a fresh opportunity for India to make major economic and social changes that the defeated Congress party-led United Progressive Alliance failed to achieve during its long rule. After his victory, Modi opted for a slimmer government than the previous administration, which he said would help speed up decision-making and slash India's notorious bureaucracy. The Hindu nationalist leader has also made efforts to kick-start fresh relations with China, Pakistan and the United States, which had denied him visa in 2005 on human rights grounds over anti-Muslim riots in his home state of Gujarat. Modi denies wrongdoing and was never charged over the violence that left 1,000 dead. Modi comes from a caste near the bottom of the Indian social hierarchy. He is single and is widely known as a workaholic intent on shaking India's economy out of its doldrums.
- A Sri Lankan Australian reporter says her work visa was not extended after she reported on the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
- Media advocates have urged New Delhi to ‘cease using visa regulations as a tool of repression’ against reporters
At an election rally, the Indian prime minister called Muslims ‘infiltrators’ and accused the opposition of wanting to gather Hindus’ wealth ‘and distribute it among those who have more children’.
The Indian prime minister’s ruling BJP has vowed to attain developed economy status within 25 years. But a host of legacy issues still need tackling.
Only Indian citizens can vote in India’s elections. But Prime Minister Narendra Modi has still worked hard to woo the diaspora – and their endorsement has an impact.
New Delhi has urged de-escalation on both sides, reflecting deep concerns over regional instability
Voter concerns such as inflation and unemployment are unlikely to derail PM Modi and his ruling BJP’s path to victory, analysts say.
The rebels, who ascribe to a form of communism propagated by late Chinese leader Mao Zedong, have waged a guerilla-style struggle against the government.
Opposition parties, and India’s long history of religious pluralism, both face an ‘existential crisis’ as Narendra Modi’s ruling BJP looks set to secure a third term in power.
As the country’s general election nears, politicians face a sobering reality: the fastest-growing economy is struggling to create enough jobs for its educated youth.
Analysts say a thaw in tensions could come with a changing of the guard in Pakistan, with both sides keen to not let ties worsen amid significant challenges.
Modi has denounced the opposition Congress Party for “callously giving away” the island of Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka in a 1974 agreement.
The move to deport the Rohingya refugees happened just as India enacted a controversial new citizenship law.
White House says it is monitoring situation in self-ruled island and its potential impact amid recovery efforts in hard-hit eastern Hualien city.
The opposition alliance is holding a rally to send a message of unity following the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
Reciprocal trips by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bhutanese counterpart, Tshering Tobgay, are said to strengthen ties but could disturb Thimphu’s border negotiations with Beijing.
Readers discuss Australia’s overtures to Southeast Asia at a summit this month, and the chances of India’s prime minister Narendra Modi returning to power.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made his recent visit to Bhutan a priority despite the possibility of violating pre-election rules.
The opening of the world’s longest twin-lane tunnel sparked a war of words between Beijing and New Delhi, both of which claim the Arunachal Pradesh region where it was built.
Reforms and incentives are attracting international investors looking to diversify away from China amid its intensifying rivalry with the US. But India still has a way to go to catch up to its neighbour to the north.
India is holding a seven-phase vote, during which PM Modi will have time to pace himself at events and stretch the opposition’s limited resources.
While Bhutan relies on India economically, Delhi also needs to ensure Thimpu remains an ally amid Beijing’s increasing presence and influence in the kingdom, analysts say.
It’s not just the country’s sheer size – although that does play a part. This year’s vote will take 44 days, but the duration has varied over the years from just four days to nearly four months.
New Delhi announces the long delayed implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act, which sparked violent protests in 2019 when it was unveiled.
In many ways, the Adani Group-helmed US$2.1 billion project is a microcosm of the massive infrastructure overhaul under way in India as its Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks to outrun China.
The election pits two-term strongman PM Narendra Modi against a bickering alliance of two dozen opposition parties, with surveys suggesting a win for Modi.
New Delhi has been working on a new EV policy, following a proposal by Tesla to set up an Indian factory and build a low-cost car in exchange for lower import taxes.
