Prime Minister-elect Narendra Modi met with President Droupadi Murmu on Friday, officially staking his claim to form the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government at the Centre. Modi, aged 73, is set to be sworn in for a third consecutive term on Sunday, June 9, matching the record of India?s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

In his address after meeting the President, Modi highlighted the significance of this election, which followed the celebrations of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. "This is the first election after Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. For the third time, the NDA government has been given a chance by the people to serve the country," he said. "I assure the people of the country that in the last two terms, the speed with which the country has moved forward, change is visible in every sector. For 25 crore people to move out of poverty is a proud moment for every Indian."

Earlier in the day, Modi was formally elected as the leader of the NDA. He received support from prominent leaders including Telugu Desam Party chief Chandrababu Naidu, Janata Dal (United) president Nitish Kumar, and Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Kumaraswamy.

The upcoming swearing-in ceremony will mark a historic moment as Modi continues to lead the country, carrying forward the momentum of his previous terms. The NDA, under Modi?s leadership, aims to further its developmental agenda and continue its work towards transforming India.