Experts underestimated the resurgence of India’s Congress party. Undaunted by soaring heat and a long and ex­hausting campaign, roughly 420m Indian voters have produced the best possible outcome for India in the largest election of world history.

The results will be widely read as a sign of national renewal, signalling a retreat of parochial political noise. India’s economic downturn and security dilemmas require political stability and national resolve. Whether that is why the electorate produced such an un­expected verdict in favour of the Congress alliance remains unclear, but the election results will certainly take India in that direction. South Asia, a dangerous neighbourhood, and the world will be a better place as a consequence.