India gives thumbs up to Modi; time to deliver on economic growth, Pakistan

Immediate challenges ahead are stuttering economy, increasing unemployment, farm distress and tense ties with old foe Pakistan.

From a shortage of job opportunities and a stuttering economy to tense ties with old foe Pakistan, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will face a host of challenges after winning a big majority on Thursday.

Modi’s election victory was on the plank of national security, a campaign that gained strength in February when he sent warplanes into Pakistan to hit a suspected militant camp after a bomb attack in the Kashmir region led to death of 40 Indian police officers.

Investors gave a big thumbs up to Modi’s victory, hoping the mandate will allow his government to push through reforms.