Manmohan Singh sworn in as PM of India
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-05-22 20:54

Manmohan Singh was sworn in as prime minister of India by President Abdul Kalam to head a left-leaning government.

Singh, a Sikh who is the first non-Hindu prime minister of India, read and signed an oath in the presence of Kalam, the ceremonial head of state, under glittering chandeliers in the 340-room presidential palace on Saturday.

Members of the incoming cabinet followed Singh by taking their oaths. Their portfolios were to be announced later.

Outgoing prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, whose Hindu nationalists were swept from power in the election, smiled and shook Singh's hand before the handover of power.

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