The world's largest democracy underwent a significant political shift in its 2024 general election. Political pundits and exit polls predicted a landslide victory for India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party but the surprise result of the election reaffirmed the unpredictable nature of Indian politics. Although Prime Minister Modi has secured a third term, his BJP failed to achieve outright parliamentary majority in the 543-seat lower house of parliament. Nirmala Ganapathy, The Straits Times' India bureau chief discussed the factors that contributed to the shock election outcome and the priorities the new government will focus on.

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Foreign-registered cars entering Malaysia to use VEP from October, big tech bolsters its presence in Malaysia and other major events happening in Singapore and the region.

On the Weekly Wrap, The Straits Times' Associate Foreign Editor Lim Ai-Leen discusses recent developments in Malaysia, the world's biggest election in India and the annual defence and security forum International Institute for Strategic Studies Shangri-La Dialogue 2024 taking place in Singapore from 31 May to 2 June.

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Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has called on Singaporeans to join him in the ambitious goal of building a society where everyone matters “and a Singapore that matters to all Singaporeans”.

Some political analysts have said that PM Wong wants to set himself apart from his predecessors and be measured against his own words

So how will PM Wong be a different type of Prime Minister? And how will our foreign policies be re-shaped under his leadership?

Nicholas Fang, Managing Director, Black Dot and Director for Security and Global Affairs, Singapore Institute of International Affairs shares his view.

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