Modi sworn in as India's prime minister

Narendra Modi has taken the oath of office as India's prime minister at the start

of a new era hailed by his Pakistani counterpart as an opportunity to end decades of regional instability.

Pranab Mukherjee, the president, administered the oath of office on Monday in front of heads of state from around the world, including the leaders of Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Maldives, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.

"I, Narendra Damodardas Modi, swear in the name of God that I will maintain the integrity of India," Modi said in Hindi at the ceremony. "I will work without fear, anger or hatred and will do justice to all as per the codes of the constitution."

"It is a great moment and a great opportunity," said Nawaz Sharif, the Pakistani prime minister who was a guest at the ceremony.

"This is a chance to reach out to each other. Both governments have a strong mandate," Sharif told India's NDTV network, according to a transcript provided by the Pakistan High Commission.

"Both countries should rid the region of instability and security that has plagued us for decades."

04:27