Vote counting is continuing in India's general election and local media are reporting that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party-led alliance are likely to win a majority.

Incumbent Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to stay in power for his third term but the media suggest his party may lose significant seats, with leads in less than half of the contested races.

The election began in April and was held over six weeks. Roughly 970 million people were eligible to vote, with 543 seats in India's lower house up for grabs.

In the campaign, Modi's BJP was pitted against an opposition alliance centered around the Indian National Congress Party. Economic growth, rampant unemployment and religious divisions were major issues in the election.

If he wins, Modi will become India's longest serving leader since its first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.