Narendra Modi is a prominent figure in Indian politics, known for his charismatic leadership and ambitious vision for the nation. Born on September 17, 1950, in Vadnagar, Gujarat, Modi rose through the ranks of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) before joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He served as the Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014, during which he implemented various developmental initiatives and earned a reputation for his efficient governance. In 2014, Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister of India after leading the BJP to a landslide victory in the general elections. Since then, he has spearheaded several initiatives aimed at transforming India’s economy, infrastructure, and social fabric. Modi’s tenure has been marked by significant policy reforms such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST), demonetization, and the Make in India campaign, which seek to enhance India’s economic growth and global competitiveness.
Early election results of 2024 indicated that the coalition of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s most powerful leader in generations, would win a narrower majority in Parliament. Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed a third term in office, however, a far narrower than expected victory for the country’s most powerful leader in generations. He would be only the second Indian prime minister to secure a third consecutive term, hailed “a historical feat in India’s history,” even his party lost a significant number of seats in Parliament. The outcome was a surprising setback for Bharatiya Janata Party. However, the B.J.P. was still set to win a plurality of parliamentary seats. More than 640 million people voted in seven phases across more than six weeks, making India’s election the largest democratic exercise in the world.
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India has a parliamentary system in which any party that wins a majority, or any coalition that cobbles one together, can form a government.
In the 2019 election, the B.J.P. won 303 of the 543 seats in Parliament, and Mr. Modi’s party predicted it would win 400 this time around, well over the 272 it needed to rule on its own. But early results indicated that it would win about 240 seats. Two regional parties were poised to play kingmakers. The Telugu Desam Party, the largest partner in Mr. Modi’s National Democratic Alliance coalition, was leading in 16 constituencies in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday. The second B.J.P. partner, Janata Dal-United, is in the eastern state of Bihar. One of the biggest surprises was in the northern city of Ayodhya, where Mr. Modi had inaugurated a contentious Hindu temple in January, a capstone of his Hindu nationalist agenda. The B.J.P. was poised to lose its seat there, a sign, according to some supporters, that the party’s focus on pro-Hindu policies had given the opposition a rallying cause. The main opposition party, the Indian National Congress, was doing better than expected, indicating a sharp turnaround for the once dominant political force. The Congress-led opposition coalition united out of fear that a third Modi term would wipe it off the political map and push India toward one-party rule. Congress and its allies tapped into local grievances in the hope of winning back competitive seats. Mr. Modi’s management of India’s deeply unequal economy became an election issue. The opposition tried to paint Mr. Modi as a friend to the nation’s billionaires who has failed to create enough jobs, and it promised new cash transfers and paid apprenticeships. Mr. Modi reminded voters what he has delivered, including water connections and roofs over homes.
According to the 2024 elections results, BJP, won in 240 seats, falling short of the 272 majority mark and needing the support of allies in the party-led NDA for government formation, a far cry from the 303 and 282 seats it had won in 2019 and 2014, respectively, to have a majority on its own. With support from key allies N Chandrababu Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Nitish Kumar’s JD(U), which won 16 and 12 seats in Andhra Pradesh and Bihar, respectively, and other alliance partners, the NDA crossed the halfway mark. The Congress, which is part of the opposition INDIA bloc, won 99 seats compared to 52 it won in 2019, eating into the BJP’s share in Rajasthan and Haryana. As the Samajwadi Party kept the INDIA bloc’s morale high in Uttar Pradesh with 37 seats, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), another key member of the opposition alliance, won 29 seats in West Bengal, higher than its 2019 tally of 22. The BJP, which had won 18 seats in the last Lok Sabha elections, won 12 seats. The results did not throw up a landslide victory the BJP-led NDA had hoped for.
Narendra Modi has transcended his role as a mere political leader to emerge as a statesman who has redefined India’s position in global politics. Under his leadership, India has pursued a more assertive foreign policy, seeking to enhance its strategic partnerships and influence on the world stage. Modi’s diplomatic efforts have focused on strengthening ties with major powers like the United States, Russia, and Japan, while also engaging with neighboring countries to promote regional stability and economic cooperation. Modi has been instrumental in promoting initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, showcasing India’s commitment to addressing global challenges such as climate change and sustainable development. His proactive engagement with international forums like the G20 and BRICS reflects India’s aspirations to play a more proactive role in shaping the global agenda. The article argues that Narendra Modi’s leadership has not only brought about significant domestic reforms but has also elevated India’s standing in the international community, positioning the country as a key player in the geopolitics of the new era. As India continues to navigate complex global dynamics, Modi’s statesmanship and vision are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the nation’s trajectory on the world stage.
Narendra Modi’s tenure as Prime Minister of India has been characterized by a concerted effort to bolster the country’s relations with various countries and regions across the globe. In particular, Modi has worked towards forging strategic partnerships with key players in global politics. With the United States, Modi’s diplomatic initiatives have led to the strengthening of bilateral ties through initiatives like the “2+2” dialogue and the signing of defense agreements, signaling a deeper cooperation on security and defense matters. The establishment of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, commonly known as the Quad, comprising India, the US, Japan, and Australia, underscores India’s commitment to enhancing regional stability and maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region. Modi’s engagement with Russia has also been significant, with efforts focused on maintaining traditional ties while exploring new avenues of cooperation in defense, energy, and technology sectors. The annual India-Russia summits have provided a platform for both countries to deepen their strategic partnership and explore opportunities for mutual benefit. In the case of China, while bilateral relations have experienced fluctuations due to border tensions, Modi has demonstrated a pragmatic approach, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes. Despite differences, both countries have maintained channels of communication to manage bilateral issues and enhance economic cooperation.
Japan has emerged as a key partner for India under Modi’s leadership, with both countries sharing a vision for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. Initiatives like the Asia-Africa Growth Corridor and the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project highlight the growing economic and strategic cooperation between the two nations. Australia, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East have also witnessed increased engagement from India under Modi’s leadership. Through initiatives like the International Solar Alliance, India has collaborated with countries across Africa to promote renewable energy and sustainable development. The development of the Chabahar Port in Iran has opened up new opportunities for India to enhance connectivity with Afghanistan and Central Asia, while also providing an alternative route for trade with Europe. India’s vaccine diplomacy during the COVID-19 pandemic, where it supplied vaccines to various countries, including those in Africa and the Middle East, has further strengthened India’s ties with these regions and positioned it as a reliable partner in times of crisis. Modi’s diplomatic initiatives have played a crucial role in expanding India’s global footprint and cementing its position as a key player in international affairs.
Narendra Modi’s leadership during his tenure as Prime Minister of India has been tested by a myriad of domestic and regional challenges, each requiring nuanced approaches to maintain stability and progress. The COVID-19 pandemic presented an unprecedented health crisis, and Modi’s government implemented a range of measures, including nationwide lockdowns and vaccination drives, to mitigate its impact. Despite initial challenges, India’s response under Modi’s guidance evolved to become one of the world’s largest vaccination campaigns, showcasing a commitment to public health. Economic slowdowns have also posed significant challenges, prompting Modi to implement reforms aimed at stimulating growth and employment, such as the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (Self-Reliant India Campaign) and various stimulus packages. However, issues like the farmers’ protests, sparked by contentious agricultural reform laws, have highlighted the need for dialogue and inclusive policy making to address concerns and maintain social harmony.
In the realm of regional tensions, Modi has navigated complex issues such as the Kashmir conflict and border disputes with China and Pakistan with a focus on asserting India’s sovereignty and security. The abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and the bifurcation of the state into two union territories were bold moves aimed at addressing long-standing issues and integrating the region more closely with the rest of India. The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) sparked debates over citizenship and religious identity, with concerns raised about its potential impact on marginalized communities. Modi’s administration has sought to address these concerns through dialogue and clarification while emphasizing the act’s humanitarian aspects and its role in protecting persecuted minorities from neighboring countries. Modi’s handling of domestic and regional challenges has been characterized by a balance between assertiveness and diplomacy, with a focus on upholding India’s interests while promoting dialogue and inclusivity. By navigating these challenges with pragmatism and resilience, Modi has demonstrated leadership in safeguarding India’s sovereignty, promoting social harmony, and advancing its interests on the domestic and global stage.
Narendra Modi’s tenure as Prime Minister of India has seen a concerted effort to enhance the country’s soft power and global leadership by showcasing its rich cultural heritage, democratic values, and achievements in various fields. Modi’s administration has placed a strong emphasis on promoting India’s cultural diversity through initiatives like the International Yoga Day, which has garnered widespread participation across the globe and highlighted India’s contribution to wellness and holistic living. The Swachh Bharat Mission, aimed at achieving cleanliness and sanitation, has not only improved public health outcomes domestically but has also projected India’s commitment to sustainable development and social progress on the global stage. Similarly, the Digital India Program has catalyzed the digital revolution in India, promoting innovation and connectivity while positioning India as a leader in the digital economy.
Modi’s Make in India Campaign has sought to transform India into a global manufacturing hub by encouraging domestic production and attracting foreign investment. By showcasing India’s potential as a manufacturing powerhouse, Modi has positioned the country as a key player in the global supply chain, fostering economic growth and job creation. India under Modi’s leadership has actively contributed to humanitarian efforts globally, including disaster relief, peacekeeping missions, and development assistance. India’s swift response in providing COVID-19 vaccines to other countries during the pandemic exemplifies its commitment to global solidarity and cooperation in times of crisis. In addition to these initiatives, Modi has utilized various platforms, including international summits and bilateral engagements, to promote India’s soft power and global leadership. By highlighting India’s democratic values, scientific and technological achievements, and contributions to global development, Modi has effectively projected India as a responsible global actor and a beacon of hope for the international community.
India’s Narendra Modi holds the distinction of having the highest domestic approval rating among world leaders, with over two-thirds of Indians expressing approval of his performance. This consistent high level of popularity has been a hallmark of Modi’s leadership over the years. Additionally, five other world leaders also enjoy the plurality of approval from their respective populations, including Mexico’s President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) and Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Notably, Poland’s Donald Tusk, a relatively new leader, has garnered a strong 50% approval rating. Conversely, eight countries have heads of state or government with disapproval ratings exceeding 50%, with notable figures including U.S. President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Germany’s Olaf Scholz, who assumed office after Angela Merkel in 2021, faced a record-low approval rating of 20% by the end of 2023, tied with South Korea’s Yook Seok-youl. Although Scholz and Yook rank low in approval, Morning Consult data indicates that leaders in Japan and the Czech Republic hold even lower total approval ratings as of the beginning of 2024, suggesting significant challenges to their leadership and public perception in their respective countries. As of January 2024, Narendra Modi of India has the highest approval rating among the listed world leaders, with 77% of respondents expressing approval of his performance. This indicates a significant level of support and satisfaction with Modi’s leadership within India.
In essence, Narendra Modi’s emergence as a statesman has defined India’s place in the world politics of the new era. Modi’s leadership as Prime Minister of India has been marked by significant achievements domestically and internationally. With over two-thirds of Indians approving of his performance, Modi stands as a highly popular leader, reflecting a remarkable level of support and confidence in his vision for a New India. Throughout his tenure, Modi has strengthened India’s relations with various countries and regions, pursued proactive diplomacy, and tackled domestic challenges with pragmatism and resilience. His initiatives, such as the International Yoga Day, the Swachh Bharat Mission, and the Make in India Campaign, have showcased India’s cultural diversity, democratic values, and technological advancements on the global stage. Modi’s role as a global leader extends beyond his domestic popularity. He has actively promoted India’s soft power, humanitarian contributions, and strategic partnerships, positioning the country as a key player in international affairs. Modi’s vision for a New India, characterized by economic growth, social progress, and global leadership, continues to inspire millions. As we reflect on Modi’s leadership and India’s trajectory on the world stage, it prompts us to consider the role of leadership in shaping nations’ destinies and the importance of visionary leadership in navigating complex global challenges. How can other world leaders learn from Modi’s approach to governance and diplomacy? And what role can individuals play in contributing to the vision of a more prosperous and inclusive world? These are questions worth pondering as we look towards the future.
