Next Indian Elections

On June 4, 2024, the Election Commission of India announced the results of India’s 18th Lok Sabha election, after six weeks and seven phases of the world’s largest democratic exercise. 642 million voters of the 968 million registered voters cast their ballots in the general election that concluded on June 1. The ruling BJP won the most seats at 272, but did not receive the 272 seats needed to form a government. It will now have to rely on coalition partners, but a politically weaker Mr. Narendra Modi appears set for a third term in office. The opposition, led by the Indian National Congress, made a strong comeback with far more seats than in the 2019 elections.

AFI’s Freedom Hour session will look back at India-China relations during the first two terms of Prime Minister Modi, the highs and lows, and how his government’s approach towards China compared with earlier Indian governments. Speakers will share their perspective on the key China-related issues and challenges awaiting the new Indian government. Will the new government’s approach be more of the same, or will New Delhi readjust its China policy?