'Bad For Indias Soul': How Foreign Media Reacted To Modi's Landslide Win

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi ’s landslide sweep in the world’s largest election made headlines in several countries. Soon after it became clear that Modi will return yet again for five years, congratulations started pouring in.  

From Chinese president Xi Jinping to US president Donald Trump , a number of world leaders extended their “heartiest” congratulations to Modi on his “big” election victory. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan were among those who congratulated Modi and vowed to work with him to bolster the bilateral ties.

International media also did a rather comprehensive coverage of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. 

The Guardian

The front page of The Guardian on Friday carried three stories and a video on the general elections in India. Their lead story was how Congress president Rahul Gandhi lost his family bastion of Amethi.

The editorial in The Guardian on Modi’s landslide was titled, “bad for India’s soul”. 

“The world does not need another national populist leader who pursues a pro-business agenda while trading in fake news and treating minorities as second-class citizens,” it said.  

The New York Times

The New York Times published an opinion piece titled, “How Narendra Modi Seduced India With Envy and Hate”. 

Dawn

Pakistan’s Dawn also carried an editorial on the Indian general elections. It was headlined, “With elections over, we hope Modi will rein in his anti-Muslim; anti-Pakistan rhetoric”. 

South China Morning Post

The South China Morning Post carried pieces on how “economic slowdown looms even as Narendra Modi celebrates resounding victory”.  

Dhaka Tribune

The Dhaka Tribune’s lead story is a Reuters piece on “Modi begins talks for new cabinet after big election win”.

The Onion

 Satire website The Onion also had a piece on Modi’s coming back to power.