India Awaits Election Results: A Referendum on Modi's Decade in Power

India embarks on a historic day as it begins counting hundreds of millions of votes from its weeks-long election, marking a pivotal moment that could see Prime Minister Narendra Modi secure a third consecutive term.

The election, described as a referendum on Modi's leadership, has seen unprecedented participation with more than 10% of the world's population eligible to vote, and a turnout averaging 66%. Early counting trends suggest Modi's alliance is leading in a majority of seats, potentially equalling the record for consecutive terms in office.

The world watches as India, the world's largest democracy, concludes its massive electoral exercise amid a deadly heatwave, with markets reacting to early trends indicating a win for Modi, albeit with a reduced majority.