Narendra Modi, 73, took the oath for his third consecutive term as Prime Minister of India, marking a significant milestone in Indian political history. The swearing-in ceremony, held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, saw the inauguration of a 72-member Council of Ministers, signaling the onset of Modi's 3.0 era.

This historic moment parallels Jawaharlal Nehru's feat as India's first Prime Minister to secure three consecutive terms in office. However, Modi's third term will witness a shift in power dynamics, as the BJP relinquishes its outright majority in the Lok Sabha, necessitating the formation of a coalition government.

In adherence to the principles of "coalition dharma," the Council of Ministers comprises 11 members from NDA partners, showcasing a diverse representation of social groups. Among the 72 ministers, 30 hold Cabinet positions, while 5 serve as Ministers of State with Independent Charge, and 36 as Ministers of State, with portfolio allocations to be disclosed subsequently.

The newly constituted cabinet embodies a broad spectrum of social diversity, with significant representation from Other Backward Classes (OBC), Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and minority communities. Notably, a record number of 18 senior ministers will helm major ministries, underscoring the government's commitment to inclusive governance.

The swearing-in ceremony, conducted on the lawns of Rashtrapati Bhavan, witnessed President Droupadi Murmu administering the oath of office to Modi and his team of ministers. Modi's re-election for a third term solidifies his position as the first Prime Minister since Nehru to achieve this distinction, albeit leading a coalition government this time.

Among the notable additions to Modi's cabinet are BJP chief JP Nadda, JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy, former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and former Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. The cabinet also sees the return of key figures such as Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, S Jaishankar, Nirmala Sitharaman, and Piyush Goyal, among others.

As Modi embarks on his third term, his diverse and inclusive cabinet reflects the government's commitment to effective governance and national development, setting the stage for transformative leadership in the years ahead.