Modi’s potent struggles with the economy

A man taking a bath in water spouting from a broken municipal water line in New Delhi, in 2019, during Modi’s first term. — ©2024 The New York Times Company

BEFORE the Indian election results emerged early this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was widely viewed as a charismatic and popular strongman celebrated by the business world for elevating its importance, even as he failed to solve a vexing problem – how to turn swift economic growth into critically needed jobs.

After the election, Modi finds himself staring at that same monumental puzzle, yet relegated to an uncomfortable new status. He is the head of a party that has been chastened at the polls, forcing him to forge a coalition to maintain power.