India's 2024 election saw Narendra Modi win a third term with a lower mandate

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has proclaimed victory in the country's massive general election as vote counting continues.

Modi made his announcement at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters in New Delhi.

"Today is a glorious day... National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is going to form the government for the third time, we are grateful to the people," he said, referring to the initials of his alliance. "This is a victory for the world's largest democracy. This is a win of the country's loyalty to the constitution, a win for India's 1.4 billion people."

Although the final tally is anticipated later today it seems clear from the count of this democratic election that Modi will continue in his role albeit with a smaller margin than initially expected by his party.

For the first time, the political giant of more than a decade will need to form a coalition government with smaller, allied parties.

While official results are still pending projections suggest that Modis alliance will secure 272 seats meeting the requirement for government formation according to data, on Election Commissions website.