The Prime Minister of the Republic of India Narendra Modi at a bi-lateral meeting with Prime Minister Tony Abbott, at which Mr Modi gave Mr Abbott an historical document from the 19th century, in Parliament House on November 18, 2014 in Canberra, Australia. Prime Minister Modi is attending meetings in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne following the G20 Leaders Summit in Brisbane.
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2014
Canberra, Australia
(L-R) India's Prime Minster Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott walk together as they leave the House of Representatives at Parliament House on November 18, 2014 in Canberra, Australia. Prime Minister Modi is attending meetings in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne following the G20 Leaders Summit in Brisbane.
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2014
Canberra, Australia
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Primie Minister Tony Abbott inspect the gaurd at Parliament House on November 18, 2014 in Canberra, Australia. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attending meetings in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne following the G20 Leaders Summit in Brisbane.
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2014
Canberra, Australia
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inspects the gaurd at Parliament House on November 18, 2014 in Canberra, Australia. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attending meetings in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne following the G20 Leaders Summit in Brisbane.
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2014
Canberra, Australia
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledges supporters after inspecting the gaurd at Parliament House on November 18, 2014 in Canberra, Australia. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attending meetings in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne following the G20 Leaders Summit in Brisbane.
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2014
Treloar Cres, Campbell ACT 2612, Australia
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi signs the visitors book at the Australian War Memorial on November 18, 2014 in Canberra, Australia. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attending meetings in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne following the G20 Leaders Summit in Brisbane.
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2014
Brisbane, Australia
In this handout photo provided by the G20 Australia, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at the Brisbane G20 Terminal on November 14, 2014 in Brisbane, Australia. World leaders have gathered in Brisbane for the annual G20 Summit and are expected to discuss economic growth, free trade and climate change as well as pressing issues including the situation in Ukraine and the Ebola crisis.
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2014
Brisbane, Australia
Prime Minister of Australia Tony Abbott walks with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi during a plenary session at the G-20 summit on November 15, 2014 in Brisbane, Australia. World leaders have gathered in Brisbane for the annual G20 Summit and are expected to discuss economic growth, free trade and climate change as well as pressing issues including the situation in Ukraine and the Ebola crisis.
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2014
Brisbane, Australia
British Prime minister David Cameron (left) shakes hands with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a bilateral meeting at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibitions Centre (BCEC) on November 14, 2014 in Brisbane Australia. World leaders have gathered in Brisbane for the annual G20 Summit and are expected to discuss economic growth, free trade and climate change as well as pressing issues including the situation in Ukraine and the Ebola crisis.
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2014
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20500, USA
U.S. President Barack Obama meets with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Oval Office of the White House September 30, 2014 in Washington, DC. The two leaders met to discuss the U.S.-India strategic partnership and mutual interest issues.
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2014
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20500, USA
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves as he arrives outside the West Wing of the White House for an Oval Office meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama September 30, 2014 in Washington, DC. The two leaders met to discuss the U.S.-India strategic partnership and mutual interest issues.
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2014
Vadodara, India
BJP leader Narendra Modi gestures before speaking to supporters after his landslide victory in elections on May 16, 2014 in Vadodara, India. Early indications from the Indian election results show Mr Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party was ahead in 277 of India's 543 constituencies where over 550 million votes were made, making it the largest election in history.
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2014
Ahmedabad, India
BJP leader Narendra Modi (L) is blessed by his mother Heeraben Modi on her front porch after seeking her blessing on May 16, 2014 in Ahmedabad, India. Early indications from the Indian election results show Mr Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party was ahead in 277 of India's 543 constituencies where over 550 million votes were made, making it the largest election in history.
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2014
Varanasi, India
BJP leader Narendra Modi waves on his way to filing his nomination papers on April 24, 2014 in Varanasi, India.
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2014
Sidhuali, India
BJP leader Narendra Modi gestures while speaking to the crowd at a rally on April 27, 2014 in Sidhuali near Lucknow, India.
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2014
Vadodra, India
Flower petals are thrown around Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Narendra Modi as he rides in an open jeep on his way to file nomination papers on April 9, 2014 in Vadodra, India.
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2014
Kathmandu, Nepal
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, listens to speeches during the inaugural session of the 18th SAARC Summit on November 26, 2014 in Kathmandu, Nepal. Nepal is hosting the 18th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit in Kathmandu, which will be attended by leaders of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Nepal. Nepal is hosting the SAARC Summit for the third time, which was first held in Dhaka, Bangladesh in 1985. Some of the key issues to be discussed during the Summit will include three key framework agreements between SAARC countries to enhance rail and road connectivity and to set up a regional power grid.
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2014
Kathmandu, Nepal
Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi receives a bouquet from Nepali authorities upon his arrival at Tribhuvan Airport for the 18th SAARC Summit on November 25, 2014 in Kathmandu, Nepal. On 26-27 November, Nepal will be hosting the 18th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit in Kathmandu, which will be attended by leaders of Nepal, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, the Maldives, Sri Lanka and Bhutan. Nepal is hosting the SAARC Summit for the third time, which was first held in Dhaka, Bangladesh in 1985. Some of the main issues to be discussed during the summit will include three key framework agreements between SAARC countries to enhance rail and road connectivity and to set up a regional power grid.
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2015
For Modi books, meditations, yoga are very important.
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2015
London, England
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is welcomed on stage by British Prime Minister David Cameron at Wembley Stadium during the second day of an official three day visit on November 13, 2015 in London, England. Around 60,000 people including British Indians from 450 different community groups from around the country are expected to fill the stadium. A concert by an arts programme featuring 800 performers, including the Indian singing star Kanika Kapoor and the London Philharmonic Orchestra will entertain the crowd. Following Modi's address will be what is billed as one of the UKs largest ever firework displays.
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2015
Westminster, London SW1A 1AA, UK
Queen Elizabeth II meets Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Buckingham Palace on the second day of his visit to the UK on November 13, 2015, in London, England. In his first trip to Britain as Prime Minister Modi's visit will aim to develop economic ties between the two countries. In a busy schedule he is due to speak at Wembley Stadium, lunch with the Queen at Buckingham Palace, address Parliament and stay overnight at Chequers.
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2015
Westminster, London SW1A 1AA, UK
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi looks on during the CEO Forum with Prime Minister David Cameron at number 10 Downing Street on November 13, 2015, in London, England. In his first trip to Britain as Prime Minister Modi's visit will aim to develop economic ties between the two countries. In a busy schedule he is due to speak at Wembley Stadium, lunch with the Queen at Buckingham Palace, address Parliament and stay overnight at Chequers.
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2015
Westminster, London SW1A 1AA, UK
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks with British Prime Minister David Cameron during a joint press conference at the Foreign Office during an official three day visit on November 12, 2015 in London, England. In his first trip to Britain as Prime Minister Modi's visit will aim to develop economic ties between the two countries. In a busy schedule he is due to speak at Wembley Stadium, have lunch with the Queen at Buckingham Palace, address Parliament and stay overnight at Chequers.
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2015
London, England
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays homage to the statue of Mahatma Ghandi in Parliament Square during an official three day visit on November 12, 2015 in London, England. In his first trip to Britain as Prime Minister Modi's visit will aim to develop economic ties between the two countries. In a busy schedule he is due to speak at Wembley Stadium, have lunch with the Queen at Buckingham Palace, address Parliament and stay overnight at Chequers.
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2015
London, England
Prime Minister David Cameron and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi watch a flypast by the Red Arrow RAFD display team next to the statue of Mahatma Ghandi in Parliament Squareduring an official three day visit on November 12, 2015 in London, England. In his first trip to Britain as Prime Minister Modi's visit will aim to develop economic ties between the two countries. In a busy schedule he is due to speak at Wembley Stadium, have lunch with the Queen at Buckingham Palace, address Parliament and stay overnight at Chequers.
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2015
London, England
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends a meeting with Prime Minister David Cameron and members of the cabinet at inside 10 Downing Street during an official three day visit on November 12, 2015 in London, England. In his first trip to Britain as Prime Minister Modi's visit will aim to develop economic ties between the two countries. In a busy schedule he is due to speak at Wembley Stadium, lunch with the Queen at Buckingham Palace, address Parliament and stay overnight at Chequers.
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2015
New York City, United States
(AFP OUT) Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L) and U.S. President Barack Obama deliver remarks to the news media after holding a bilateral meeting at the United Nations headquarters September 28, 2015 in New York City. Modi and Obama are in New York City to attend the 70th anniversary general assembly meetings.
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2015
Bashkortostan, Russia
In this handout image supplied by Host Photo Agency / RIA Novosti, President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin (R) meets Prime Minister of the Republic of India Narendra Modi in Ufa during the BRICS/SCO Summits - Russia 2015 on July 08, 2015 in Bashkortostan, Russia.
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2015
Seoul, South Korea
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L) shakes hands with South Korean President Park Geun-Hye during a meeting at the presidential Blue House on May 18, 2015 in Seoul, South Korea. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two day trip to South Korea to discuss the two countries' strategic partnership.
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2015
Xian, Shaanxi province, China
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Left) and Chinese President Xi Jinping attend a meeting on May 14, 2015 in Xian, Shaanxi province, China.
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2015
Herrenhäuser Str. 5, 30419 Hannover, Germany
In this photo provided by the German Government Press Office (BPA) German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attend a dinner given by the Chancellor in Herrenhausen Palace after the opening ceremony of the Hannover Messe on April 12, 2015 in in Hanover, Germany. The Prime Minister is on a three-day visit to Germany, the second leg of a three nation tour. He will attend the opening ceremony of the Hannover Messe industrial trade fair, where this year India is a partner country.
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2016
Afghanistan
State Order of Ghazi Amir Amanullah Khan, Afghanistan
(4 June 2016)
The highest civilian honour of Afghanistan
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2016
Hangzhou, China
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi ( L) shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) at the West Lake State Guest House on September 4, 2016 in Hangzhou, China. The 11th G20 Leaders Summit will be held from September 4-5.
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2016
Nairobi, Kenya
India's Prime minister Narendra Modi (L) present to Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta a model of Bhabhatron-for cancer screening machine on July 11, 2016 at the State House in Nairobi, during the first visit by an India Prime Minister in 35 years to the east african nation. .Modi kicked-off his African tour with Mozambique on July 7 before heading to South Africa and Tanzania before winding up his programme in Kenya, an itinerary designed to underline India's growing engagement with the continent. / AFP / SIMON MAINA
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2016
Nairobi, Kenya
India's Prime minister Narendra Modi (L) and Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta wave to members of the Indian community in Kenya during a meet-the-people tour organsied for Modi in Nairobi on July 10, 2016. Modi, 66 and the 14th Prime Minister of India, kicked-off his African tour with Mozambique on July 7 before heading to South Africa and Tanzania before winding up his programme in Kenya, marking the first by an India Prime Minister in 35 years to the east african nation. / AFP / TONY KARUMBA
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2016
South Africa
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi(R) speaks with Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini (L) at a welcoming reception at the Durban City hall on July 9, 2016. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 9 followed in Mahatma Gandhi's footsteps in South Africa, where the liberation hero forged his famed policy of non-violent civil disobedience. Modi is on the second leg of a five-day African trip which began in Mozambique and will also take him to Tanzania and Kenya -- an itinerary designed to underline India's growing engagement with the continent. / AFP / RAJESH JANTILAL
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2016
South Africa
Members of the South African party African National Congress (ANC) sing and chant slogans as they welcome Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Durban's Phoenix Settlement on July 9,2016. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 9 followed in Mahatma Gandhi's footsteps in South Africa, where the liberation hero forged his famed policy of non-violent civil disobedience. Modi is on the second leg of a five-day African trip which began in Mozambique and will also take him to Tanzania and Kenya -- an itinerary designed to underline India's growing engagement with the continent.. / AFP / RAJESH JANTILAL
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2016
Durban, South Africa
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (C) opens an exhibiton at the Pietermaritzburg railway station some 90 kilometres north of Durban on July 9, 2016. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wraps up his South Africa tour with a visit to the former home of rights stalwart Mahatma Gandhi in the eastern port city of Durban before flying out to Tanzania. / AFP / RAJESH JANTILAL
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2016
First St SE, Washington, DC 20004, USA
U.S. Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-WI) (L) greets and poses for photographs with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Speaker's office in the U.S. Capitol June 8, 2016 in Washington, DC. Modi will be addressing a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress later in the day.
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2016
1301 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20240, USA
Jeff Bezos, (R), CEO of Amazon, is presented with the 2016 USIBC Global Leadership Award by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 41st Annual Leadership Summit at the Mellen Auditorium, June 7, 2016 in Washington, DC.
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2016
Washington, D.C., United States
(AFP OUT) (L-R) New Zealand's prime minister John Key, India's prime minister Narendra Modi, prince of Morocco Moulay Rachid and Poland's president Andrzej Duda stand during a family photo at the Nuclear Security Summit on April 1, 2016 in Washington, D.C. U.S. After a spate of terrorist attacks from Europe to Africa, U.S. President Barack Obama is rallying international support during the summit for an effort to keep Islamic State and similar groups from obtaining nuclear material and other weapons of mass destruction.
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2016
Hyderabad House, New Delhi, India
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (R) shakes hand with Indonesia President Joko Widodo before a meeting at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi on December 12, 2016. / AFP / Money SHARMA
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2016
Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi (2nd R) and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe (R) shake hands in front of a shinkansen train during their inspection at a bullet train manufacturing plant in Kobe, Hyogo prefecture on November 12, 2016.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe pitched the country's high-speed bullet trains to Indian premier Narendra Modi as they took a shinkansen ride together to a western city on November 12, according to local media. / AFP / JIJI PRESS / JIJI PRESS / Japan OUT
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2016
Tokyo, Japan
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L) chats with Sadayuki Sakakibara (R), chairman of the Japan Business Federation, known as Keidanren, during a luncheon at Keidanren headquarters in Tokyo on November 11, 2016. Modi is on a three-day visit to Japan. / AFP / TORU YAMANAKA
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2016
Hyderabad House, New Delhi, India
British Prime Minister Theresa May and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi walk through the gardens of Hyderabad House, on November 7, 2016 in New Delhi, India. Theresa May is on a mission to reconnect the UK with the Commonwealth during her first trip to India since taking office, and will be discussing trade.
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2016
New Delhi, India
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (R) shakes hands with Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi upon her arrival during a ceremonial reception in New Delhi on October 18, 2016. / AFP / MONEY SHARMA
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2016
New Delhi, India
Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong (L) and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shake hands after a meeting in New Delhi on October 4, 2016. / AFP / PRAKASH SINGH
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2017
Hyderabad House, New Delhi, India
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (C) shakes hands with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe (L) as his wife Maithree Wickremesinghe (R) looks on before a meeting at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on November 23, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / MONEY SHARMA
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2017
Sector 125, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201313, India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Adityanath Yogi inaugurate the Botanical Garden-Kalkaji Mandir metro line for public at Amity University, on December 25, 2017 in Noida, India. PM Modi flagged off the new metro, decked with marigold flowers, from Noida and travelled to the Okhla Bird Sanctuary station with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2017
Hyderabad, India
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L) and advisor to US President Ivanka Trump shakes hands after they formally innagurate the Global Entrepreneurship Summmit at the Hyderabad convention centre (HICC) in Hyderabad on November 28, 2017.
The Global Entrepreneurship Summmit will take place from 28th to 30th of November. / AFP PHOTO / MONEY SHARMA
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2017
Manila, Philippines
US President Donald Trump (R) speaks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a bilateral meeting on the sideline of the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Manila on November 13, 2017.
World leaders are in the Philippines' capital for two days of summits. / AFP PHOTO / JIM WATSON
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2017
Hyderabad House, New Delhi, India
Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall (L) with the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House during a visit to India on November 8, 2017 in New Delhi, India. The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall are on a tour of Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei and India.
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2017
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20500, USA
U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi walk from the Oval Office to deliver joint statements in the Rose Garden of the White House June 26, 2017 in Washington, DC. Trump and Modi met earlier today in the Oval Office to discuss a range of bilateral issues.
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2017
Saint Petersburg, Russia
Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) shakes hands with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a meeting on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in Saint Petersburg on June 1, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / POOL / Dmitry Lovetsky
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2017
Berlin, Germany
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shake hands at a press conference following a signing ceremony of contracts between the German and Indian governments at the Chancellery on May 30, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. The contracts include joint efforts regarding development, cyber policy, railway security and education, among other topics.
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2017
Berlin, Germany
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrive to review a guard of honour prior to consultations between the German and Indian governments at the Chancellery on May 30, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. The two governments are scheduled to sign cooperation agreements later today.
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2018
Palestine
rand Collar of the State of Palestine, Palestine
(10 February 2018)
The highest civilian honour of Palestine for foreign dignitaries
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2018
Westminster, London SW1A 1AA, UK
British Prime Minister Theresa May and Queen Elizabeth pose for a photograph with Commonwealth heads of state during the formal opening of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in the Ballroom at Buckingham Palace on April 19, 2018 in London, United Kingdom.
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2018
Exhibition Rd, Kensington, London SW7 2DD, UK
Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi during their visit to the Science Museum on April 18, 2018 in London, United Kingdom.
Gallery of Narendra Modi
2018
Westminster, London SW1A 1AA, UK
Prime Minster of India Narendra Modi is greeted by Queen Elizabeth II during a private audience at Buckingham Palace on April 16, 2018 in London, England.
Achievements
2012
In March 2012, he appeared on the cover of the Asian edition of Time Magazine, one of the few Indian politicians to have done so.
Membership
Awards
Order of Abdulaziz Al Saud
2016
Saudi Arabia
Order of Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Arabia
(3 April 2016)
Member Special Class, The highest civilian honour of Saudi Arabia
State Order of Ghazi Amir Amanullah Khan
2016
Afghanistan
State Order of Ghazi Amir Amanullah Khan, Afghanistan
(4 June 2016)
The highest civilian honour of Afghanistan
Grand Collar of the State of Palestine
2018
Palestine
rand Collar of the State of Palestine, Palestine
(10 February 2018)
The highest civilian honour of Palestine for foreign dignitaries
Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World
Forbes Magazine 15th-Most-Powerful Person in the World
The Prime Minister of the Republic of India Narendra Modi at a bi-lateral meeting with Prime Minister Tony Abbott, at which Mr Modi gave Mr Abbott an historical document from the 19th century, in Parliament House on November 18, 2014 in Canberra, Australia. Prime Minister Modi is attending meetings in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne following the G20 Leaders Summit in Brisbane.
(L-R) India's Prime Minster Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott walk together as they leave the House of Representatives at Parliament House on November 18, 2014 in Canberra, Australia. Prime Minister Modi is attending meetings in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne following the G20 Leaders Summit in Brisbane.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Primie Minister Tony Abbott inspect the gaurd at Parliament House on November 18, 2014 in Canberra, Australia. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attending meetings in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne following the G20 Leaders Summit in Brisbane.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inspects the gaurd at Parliament House on November 18, 2014 in Canberra, Australia. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attending meetings in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne following the G20 Leaders Summit in Brisbane.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledges supporters after inspecting the gaurd at Parliament House on November 18, 2014 in Canberra, Australia. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attending meetings in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne following the G20 Leaders Summit in Brisbane.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi signs the visitors book at the Australian War Memorial on November 18, 2014 in Canberra, Australia. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attending meetings in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne following the G20 Leaders Summit in Brisbane.
In this handout photo provided by the G20 Australia, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at the Brisbane G20 Terminal on November 14, 2014 in Brisbane, Australia. World leaders have gathered in Brisbane for the annual G20 Summit and are expected to discuss economic growth, free trade and climate change as well as pressing issues including the situation in Ukraine and the Ebola crisis.
Prime Minister of Australia Tony Abbott walks with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi during a plenary session at the G-20 summit on November 15, 2014 in Brisbane, Australia. World leaders have gathered in Brisbane for the annual G20 Summit and are expected to discuss economic growth, free trade and climate change as well as pressing issues including the situation in Ukraine and the Ebola crisis.
British Prime minister David Cameron (left) shakes hands with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a bilateral meeting at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibitions Centre (BCEC) on November 14, 2014 in Brisbane Australia. World leaders have gathered in Brisbane for the annual G20 Summit and are expected to discuss economic growth, free trade and climate change as well as pressing issues including the situation in Ukraine and the Ebola crisis.
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20500, USA
U.S. President Barack Obama meets with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Oval Office of the White House September 30, 2014 in Washington, DC. The two leaders met to discuss the U.S.-India strategic partnership and mutual interest issues.
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20500, USA
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves as he arrives outside the West Wing of the White House for an Oval Office meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama September 30, 2014 in Washington, DC. The two leaders met to discuss the U.S.-India strategic partnership and mutual interest issues.
BJP leader Narendra Modi gestures before speaking to supporters after his landslide victory in elections on May 16, 2014 in Vadodara, India. Early indications from the Indian election results show Mr Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party was ahead in 277 of India's 543 constituencies where over 550 million votes were made, making it the largest election in history.
BJP leader Narendra Modi (L) is blessed by his mother Heeraben Modi on her front porch after seeking her blessing on May 16, 2014 in Ahmedabad, India. Early indications from the Indian election results show Mr Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party was ahead in 277 of India's 543 constituencies where over 550 million votes were made, making it the largest election in history.
Flower petals are thrown around Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Narendra Modi as he rides in an open jeep on his way to file nomination papers on April 9, 2014 in Vadodra, India.
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, listens to speeches during the inaugural session of the 18th SAARC Summit on November 26, 2014 in Kathmandu, Nepal. Nepal is hosting the 18th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit in Kathmandu, which will be attended by leaders of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Nepal. Nepal is hosting the SAARC Summit for the third time, which was first held in Dhaka, Bangladesh in 1985. Some of the key issues to be discussed during the Summit will include three key framework agreements between SAARC countries to enhance rail and road connectivity and to set up a regional power grid.
Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi receives a bouquet from Nepali authorities upon his arrival at Tribhuvan Airport for the 18th SAARC Summit on November 25, 2014 in Kathmandu, Nepal. On 26-27 November, Nepal will be hosting the 18th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit in Kathmandu, which will be attended by leaders of Nepal, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, the Maldives, Sri Lanka and Bhutan. Nepal is hosting the SAARC Summit for the third time, which was first held in Dhaka, Bangladesh in 1985. Some of the main issues to be discussed during the summit will include three key framework agreements between SAARC countries to enhance rail and road connectivity and to set up a regional power grid.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is welcomed on stage by British Prime Minister David Cameron at Wembley Stadium during the second day of an official three day visit on November 13, 2015 in London, England. Around 60,000 people including British Indians from 450 different community groups from around the country are expected to fill the stadium. A concert by an arts programme featuring 800 performers, including the Indian singing star Kanika Kapoor and the London Philharmonic Orchestra will entertain the crowd. Following Modi's address will be what is billed as one of the UKs largest ever firework displays.
Queen Elizabeth II meets Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Buckingham Palace on the second day of his visit to the UK on November 13, 2015, in London, England. In his first trip to Britain as Prime Minister Modi's visit will aim to develop economic ties between the two countries. In a busy schedule he is due to speak at Wembley Stadium, lunch with the Queen at Buckingham Palace, address Parliament and stay overnight at Chequers.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi looks on during the CEO Forum with Prime Minister David Cameron at number 10 Downing Street on November 13, 2015, in London, England. In his first trip to Britain as Prime Minister Modi's visit will aim to develop economic ties between the two countries. In a busy schedule he is due to speak at Wembley Stadium, lunch with the Queen at Buckingham Palace, address Parliament and stay overnight at Chequers.
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks with British Prime Minister David Cameron during a joint press conference at the Foreign Office during an official three day visit on November 12, 2015 in London, England. In his first trip to Britain as Prime Minister Modi's visit will aim to develop economic ties between the two countries. In a busy schedule he is due to speak at Wembley Stadium, have lunch with the Queen at Buckingham Palace, address Parliament and stay overnight at Chequers.
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays homage to the statue of Mahatma Ghandi in Parliament Square during an official three day visit on November 12, 2015 in London, England. In his first trip to Britain as Prime Minister Modi's visit will aim to develop economic ties between the two countries. In a busy schedule he is due to speak at Wembley Stadium, have lunch with the Queen at Buckingham Palace, address Parliament and stay overnight at Chequers.
Prime Minister David Cameron and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi watch a flypast by the Red Arrow RAFD display team next to the statue of Mahatma Ghandi in Parliament Squareduring an official three day visit on November 12, 2015 in London, England. In his first trip to Britain as Prime Minister Modi's visit will aim to develop economic ties between the two countries. In a busy schedule he is due to speak at Wembley Stadium, have lunch with the Queen at Buckingham Palace, address Parliament and stay overnight at Chequers.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends a meeting with Prime Minister David Cameron and members of the cabinet at inside 10 Downing Street during an official three day visit on November 12, 2015 in London, England. In his first trip to Britain as Prime Minister Modi's visit will aim to develop economic ties between the two countries. In a busy schedule he is due to speak at Wembley Stadium, lunch with the Queen at Buckingham Palace, address Parliament and stay overnight at Chequers.
(AFP OUT) Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L) and U.S. President Barack Obama deliver remarks to the news media after holding a bilateral meeting at the United Nations headquarters September 28, 2015 in New York City. Modi and Obama are in New York City to attend the 70th anniversary general assembly meetings.
In this handout image supplied by Host Photo Agency / RIA Novosti, President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin (R) meets Prime Minister of the Republic of India Narendra Modi in Ufa during the BRICS/SCO Summits - Russia 2015 on July 08, 2015 in Bashkortostan, Russia.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L) shakes hands with South Korean President Park Geun-Hye during a meeting at the presidential Blue House on May 18, 2015 in Seoul, South Korea. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two day trip to South Korea to discuss the two countries' strategic partnership.
In this photo provided by the German Government Press Office (BPA) German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attend a dinner given by the Chancellor in Herrenhausen Palace after the opening ceremony of the Hannover Messe on April 12, 2015 in in Hanover, Germany. The Prime Minister is on a three-day visit to Germany, the second leg of a three nation tour. He will attend the opening ceremony of the Hannover Messe industrial trade fair, where this year India is a partner country.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi ( L) shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) at the West Lake State Guest House on September 4, 2016 in Hangzhou, China. The 11th G20 Leaders Summit will be held from September 4-5.
India's Prime minister Narendra Modi (L) present to Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta a model of Bhabhatron-for cancer screening machine on July 11, 2016 at the State House in Nairobi, during the first visit by an India Prime Minister in 35 years to the east african nation. .Modi kicked-off his African tour with Mozambique on July 7 before heading to South Africa and Tanzania before winding up his programme in Kenya, an itinerary designed to underline India's growing engagement with the continent. / AFP / SIMON MAINA
India's Prime minister Narendra Modi (L) and Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta wave to members of the Indian community in Kenya during a meet-the-people tour organsied for Modi in Nairobi on July 10, 2016. Modi, 66 and the 14th Prime Minister of India, kicked-off his African tour with Mozambique on July 7 before heading to South Africa and Tanzania before winding up his programme in Kenya, marking the first by an India Prime Minister in 35 years to the east african nation. / AFP / TONY KARUMBA
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi(R) speaks with Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini (L) at a welcoming reception at the Durban City hall on July 9, 2016. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 9 followed in Mahatma Gandhi's footsteps in South Africa, where the liberation hero forged his famed policy of non-violent civil disobedience. Modi is on the second leg of a five-day African trip which began in Mozambique and will also take him to Tanzania and Kenya -- an itinerary designed to underline India's growing engagement with the continent. / AFP / RAJESH JANTILAL
Members of the South African party African National Congress (ANC) sing and chant slogans as they welcome Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Durban's Phoenix Settlement on July 9,2016. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 9 followed in Mahatma Gandhi's footsteps in South Africa, where the liberation hero forged his famed policy of non-violent civil disobedience. Modi is on the second leg of a five-day African trip which began in Mozambique and will also take him to Tanzania and Kenya -- an itinerary designed to underline India's growing engagement with the continent.. / AFP / RAJESH JANTILAL
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (C) opens an exhibiton at the Pietermaritzburg railway station some 90 kilometres north of Durban on July 9, 2016. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wraps up his South Africa tour with a visit to the former home of rights stalwart Mahatma Gandhi in the eastern port city of Durban before flying out to Tanzania. / AFP / RAJESH JANTILAL
U.S. Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-WI) (L) greets and poses for photographs with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Speaker's office in the U.S. Capitol June 8, 2016 in Washington, DC. Modi will be addressing a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress later in the day.
1301 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20240, USA
Jeff Bezos, (R), CEO of Amazon, is presented with the 2016 USIBC Global Leadership Award by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 41st Annual Leadership Summit at the Mellen Auditorium, June 7, 2016 in Washington, DC.
(AFP OUT) (L-R) New Zealand's prime minister John Key, India's prime minister Narendra Modi, prince of Morocco Moulay Rachid and Poland's president Andrzej Duda stand during a family photo at the Nuclear Security Summit on April 1, 2016 in Washington, D.C. U.S. After a spate of terrorist attacks from Europe to Africa, U.S. President Barack Obama is rallying international support during the summit for an effort to keep Islamic State and similar groups from obtaining nuclear material and other weapons of mass destruction.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (R) shakes hand with Indonesia President Joko Widodo before a meeting at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi on December 12, 2016. / AFP / Money SHARMA
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi (2nd R) and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe (R) shake hands in front of a shinkansen train during their inspection at a bullet train manufacturing plant in Kobe, Hyogo prefecture on November 12, 2016.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe pitched the country's high-speed bullet trains to Indian premier Narendra Modi as they took a shinkansen ride together to a western city on November 12, according to local media. / AFP / JIJI PRESS / JIJI PRESS / Japan OUT
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L) chats with Sadayuki Sakakibara (R), chairman of the Japan Business Federation, known as Keidanren, during a luncheon at Keidanren headquarters in Tokyo on November 11, 2016. Modi is on a three-day visit to Japan. / AFP / TORU YAMANAKA
British Prime Minister Theresa May and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi walk through the gardens of Hyderabad House, on November 7, 2016 in New Delhi, India. Theresa May is on a mission to reconnect the UK with the Commonwealth during her first trip to India since taking office, and will be discussing trade.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (R) shakes hands with Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi upon her arrival during a ceremonial reception in New Delhi on October 18, 2016. / AFP / MONEY SHARMA
Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong (L) and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shake hands after a meeting in New Delhi on October 4, 2016. / AFP / PRAKASH SINGH
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (C) shakes hands with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe (L) as his wife Maithree Wickremesinghe (R) looks on before a meeting at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on November 23, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / MONEY SHARMA
Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Adityanath Yogi inaugurate the Botanical Garden-Kalkaji Mandir metro line for public at Amity University, on December 25, 2017 in Noida, India. PM Modi flagged off the new metro, decked with marigold flowers, from Noida and travelled to the Okhla Bird Sanctuary station with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L) and advisor to US President Ivanka Trump shakes hands after they formally innagurate the Global Entrepreneurship Summmit at the Hyderabad convention centre (HICC) in Hyderabad on November 28, 2017.
The Global Entrepreneurship Summmit will take place from 28th to 30th of November. / AFP PHOTO / MONEY SHARMA
US President Donald Trump (R) speaks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a bilateral meeting on the sideline of the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Manila on November 13, 2017.
World leaders are in the Philippines' capital for two days of summits. / AFP PHOTO / JIM WATSON
Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall (L) with the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House during a visit to India on November 8, 2017 in New Delhi, India. The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall are on a tour of Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei and India.
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20500, USA
U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi walk from the Oval Office to deliver joint statements in the Rose Garden of the White House June 26, 2017 in Washington, DC. Trump and Modi met earlier today in the Oval Office to discuss a range of bilateral issues.
Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) shakes hands with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a meeting on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in Saint Petersburg on June 1, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / POOL / Dmitry Lovetsky
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shake hands at a press conference following a signing ceremony of contracts between the German and Indian governments at the Chancellery on May 30, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. The contracts include joint efforts regarding development, cyber policy, railway security and education, among other topics.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrive to review a guard of honour prior to consultations between the German and Indian governments at the Chancellery on May 30, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. The two governments are scheduled to sign cooperation agreements later today.
British Prime Minister Theresa May and Queen Elizabeth pose for a photograph with Commonwealth heads of state during the formal opening of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in the Ballroom at Buckingham Palace on April 19, 2018 in London, United Kingdom.
Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi during their visit to the Science Museum on April 18, 2018 in London, United Kingdom.
Prime Minster of India Narendra Modi is greeted by Queen Elizabeth II during a private audience at Buckingham Palace on April 16, 2018 in London, England.
Narendra Modi, in full Narendra Damodardas Modi, is an Indian politician and government official who rose to become a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In 2014 he led his party to victory in elections to the Lok Sabha (lower chamber of the Indian parliament), after which he was sworn in as prime minister of India.
Background
Narendra Modi was born on 17 September 1950 to a family of grocers in Vadnagar, Mehsana district, Bombay State (present-day Gujarat). He was the third of six children born to Damodardas Mulchand Modi (c.1915 – 1989) and Hiraben Modi (born c.1920). Modi's family belonged to the Modh-Ghanchi-Teli (oil-presser) community, which is categorised as an Other Backward Class by the Indian government. Teli was not an OBC community before Mr. Modi assumed power.
As a child, Modi helped his father sell tea near what in 1972 became the Vadnagar railway station and later ran a tea stall with his brother near a bus terminus.
Education
Modi completed his higher secondary education in Vadnagar in 1967, where a teacher described him as an average student and a keen debater, with interest in theatre. Modi had an early gift for rhetoric in debates, and his teachers and students noted this. Modi preferred playing larger-than-life characters in theatrical productions, which has influenced his political image.
When eight years old, Modi discovered the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and began attending its local shakhas (training sessions). There, Modi met Lakshmanrao Inamdar, popularly known as Vakil Saheb, who inducted him as a balswayamsevak (junior cadet) for RSS and became his political mentor. While Modi was training with the RSS, he also met Vasant Gajendragadkar and Nathalal Jaghda, Bharatiya Jana Sangh leaders who were founding members of the BJP's Gujarat unit in 1980. Engaged while still a child to Jashodaben, a girl from a family who lived close by, Modi rejected the arranged marriage at the same time he graduated from high school. The resulting familial tensions contributed to his decision to leave home in 1967.
Modi spent the ensuing two years travelling across Northern and North-eastern India, though few details of where he went have emerged. In interviews, Modi has described visiting Hindu ashrams founded by Swami Vivekananda: the Belur Math near Kolkata, followed by the Advaita Ashrama in Almora and the Ramakrishna Mission in Rajkot. Modi remained only a short time at each, since he lacked the required college education. Vivekananda has been described as a large influence in Modi's life.
In the early summer of 1968, Modi reached the Belur Math but was turned away, after which Modi wandered through Calcutta, West Bengal and Assam, stopping in Siliguri and Guwahati. Modi then went to the Ramakrishna Ashram in Almora, where he was again rejected, before travelling back to Gujarat via Delhi and Rajasthan in 1968–69. Sometime in late 1969 or early 1970, Modi returned to Vadnagar for a brief visit before leaving again for Ahmedabad. There, Modi lived with his uncle, working in the latter's canteen at the Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation.
In 1978 Modi received a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from School of Open Learning at University of Delhi, graduating with a third class. Five years later, in 1983, he received a Master of Arts degree in political science from Gujarat University, as an external distance learning student.
Narendra Modi joined the pro-Hindu Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) organization in the early 1970s and set up a unit of the RSS’s students’ wing, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, in his area. Modi rose steadily in the RSS hierarchy, and his association with the organization significantly benefited his subsequent political career.
Modi joined the BJP in 1987, and a year later he was made the general secretary of the Gujarat branch of the party. He was instrumental in greatly strengthening the party’s presence in the state in succeeding years. In 1990 Modi was one of the BJP members who participated in a coalition government in the state, and he helped the BJP achieve success in the 1995 state legislative assembly elections that in March allowed the party to form the first-ever BJP-controlled government in India. The BJP’s control of the state government was relatively short-lived, however, ending in September 1996.
In 1995 Modi was made the secretary of the BJP’s national organization in New Delhi, and three years later he was appointed its general secretary. He remained in that office for another three years, but in October 2001 he replaced the incumbent Gujarat chief minister, fellow BJP member Keshubhai Patel, after Patel had been held responsible for the state government’s poor response in the aftermath of the massive Bhuj earthquake in Gujarat earlier that year that killed more than 20,000 people. Modi entered his first-ever electoral contest in a February 2002 by-election that won him a seat in the Gujarat state assembly.
Modi’s political career thereafter remained a mixture of deep controversy and self-promoted achievements. His role as chief minister during communal riots that engulfed Gujarat in 2002 was particularly questioned. He was accused of condoning the violence or, at least, of doing little to stop the killing of more than 1,000 people, mostly Muslims, that ensued after dozens of Hindu passengers died when their train was set on fire in the city of Godhra. In 2005 the United States declined to issue him a diplomatic visa on the grounds that he was responsible for the 2002 riots, and the United Kingdom also criticized his role in 2002. Although in the succeeding years Modi himself escaped any indictment or censure—either by the judiciary or by investigative agencies—some of his close associates were found guilty of complicity in the 2002 events and received lengthy jail sentences. Modi’s administration was also accused of involvement in extrajudicial killings (variously termed “encounters” or “fake encounters”) by police or other authorities. One such case, in 2004, involved the deaths of a woman and three men whom officials said were members of Lashkar-e-Taiba (a Pakistan-based terrorist organization that was involved in the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks) and were alleged to have been plotting to assassinate Modi.
Modi’s repeated political success in Gujarat, however, made him an indispensable leader within the BJP hierarchy and led to his reintegration into the political mainstream. Under his leadership, the BJP secured a significant victory in the December 2002 legislative assembly elections, winning 127 of the 182 seats in the chamber (including a seat for Modi). Projecting a manifesto for growth and development in Gujarat, the BJP was again victorious in the 2007 state assembly elections, with a seat total of 117, and the party prevailed again in the 2012 polls, garnering 115 seats. Both times Modi won his contests and returned as chief minister.
During his time as head of the Gujarat government, Modi established a formidable reputation as an able administrator, and he was given credit for the rapid growth of the state’s economy. In addition, his and the party’s electoral performances helped advance Modi’s position as not only the most-influential leader within the party but also a potential candidate for prime minister of India. In June 2013 Modi was chosen the leader of the BJP’s campaign for the 2014 elections to the Lok Sabha.
After a vigorous campaign—in which Modi portrayed himself as a pragmatic candidate who could turn around India’s underperforming economy—he and the party were victorious, with the BJP winning a clear majority of seats in the chamber. Modi was sworn in as prime minister on May 26. Soon after he took office, his government embarked on several reforms, including campaigns to improve India’s transportation infrastructure and to liberalize rules on direct foreign investment in the country. Modi scored two significant diplomatic achievements early in his term. In mid-September he hosted a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping, the first time a Chinese leader had been to India in eight years. At the end of that month, having been granted a U.S. visa, Modi made a highly successful visit to New York City, which included a meeting with U.S. Pres. Barack Obama.
Narendra Modi is a leading Indian politician and the current Prime Minister of India. He is known for leading his party Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) to a historic win in 2014 elections. He became the first Indian Prime Minister born after independence. After assuming the office of the Prime Minister, he announced many programs and policies that his government plans to implement in its 5-year term.
Modi was named the Best Chief Minister in a 2007 nationwide survey by India Today. In March 2012, he appeared on the cover of the Asian edition of Time Magazine, one of the few Indian politicians to have done so. He was awarded Indian of the Year by CNN-IBN news network in 2014. In 2014, 2015 and 2017, he was named one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World. He was also declared winner of the Time magazine reader's poll for Person of the Year in 2014 and as well as in 2016. Forbes Magazine ranked him the 15th-Most-Powerful Person in the World in 2014 and the 9th-Most-Powerful Person in the World in 2015, 2016 and 2018. In 2015, Modi was ranked the 13th-Most-Influential Person in the World by Bloomberg Markets Magazine. In the same year he was named one of Time's "30 Most Influential People on the Internet" as the second-most-followed politician on Twitter and Facebook. Modi was ranked fifth on Fortune Magazine's first annual list of the "World's Greatest Leaders" in 2015. In 2016, a wax statue of Modi was unveiled at Madame Tussaud Wax Museum in London.
Modi spent two years travelling across Northern and North-eastern India, though few details of where he went have emerged. In interviews, Modi has described visiting Hindu ashrams founded by Swami Vivekananda: the Belur Math near Kolkata, followed by the Advaita Ashrama in Almora and the Ramakrishna Mission in Rajkot. Modi remained only a short time at each, since he lacked the required college education. Vivekananda has been described as a large influence in Modi's life.
In the early summer of 1968, Modi reached the Belur Math but was turned away, after which Modi wandered through Calcutta, West Bengal and Assam, stopping in Siliguri and Guwahati. Modi then went to the Ramakrishna Ashram in Almora, where he was again rejected, before travelling back to Gujarat via Delhi and Rajasthan in 1968–69. Sometime in late 1969 or early 1970, Modi returned to Vadnagar for a brief visit before leaving again for Ahmedabad.
Modi attended Hindu religious ceremonies, and had prominent associations with Hindu religious leaders. During his 2012 campaign he twice refused to wear articles of clothing gifted by Muslim leaders. He did, however, maintain relations with Dawoodi Bohra.
Politics
In 1987, Narendra Modi joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which stood for Hindu nationalism. His rise through the ranks was rapid, as he wisely chose mentors to further his career. He promoted privatization of businesses, small government and Hindu values. In 1995, Modi was elected BJP national secretary, a position from which he successfully helped settle internal leadership disputes, paving the way for BJP election victories in 1998.
Since becoming prime minister, Modi has encouraged foreign businesses to invest in India. He has lifted various regulations - permits and inspections - so that businesses could grow more easily. He has decreased spending on social welfare programs and has encouraged the privatization of healthcare, although he has devised a policy on universal healthcare for those citizens with serious ailments. In 2014 he launched a "Clean India" campaign, which focused on sanitation and the construction of millions of toilets in rural areas.
His environment policies have been lax, especially when those policies hamper industrial growth. He has lifted restrictions on protecting the environment and is more open to the use of genetically modified crops, despite protests from India's farmers. Under Modi's power, he has suppressed the influence of civil society organizations, such as Greenpeace, the Sierra Club, Avaaz, and other humanitarian groups, citing they prevent economic growth.
In terms of foreign policy, Modi has taken on a multilateral approach. He has participated in the BRICS, ASEAN, and G20 summits, as well as aligned himself with the United States, China, Japan and Russia to improve economic and political ties. He has also reached out to Islamic republics, most notably fostering diplomatic ties with Pakistan, although he has repeatedly labeled the country a "terrorist state" and an "exporter of terrorism."
Under his rule, Modi has substantially centralized his power compared to previous administrations.
Views
He used as an example of how hard work and dedication can change a man’s life. His very ordinary way of living is appreciated by everyone. Narendra Modi believes in the art of simple living.
Quotations:
“Each of has a natural instinct to rise like a flame. Lets nurture that instinct.”
“Mind is never a problem. Mindset is.”
“Hard work never brings fatigue. It brings satisfaction.”
“Once we decide we have to do something, we can go miles ahead.”
“Each one of us has both; good and evil virtues. Those who decide to focus on the good ones succeed in life.”
“Only those who keep walking get sweet returns… look at the sun’s perseverance- dynamic & always on the move, never dormant…. hence keep moving.”
“With the gun you can make the earth red but if you have a plough you can make the earth green.”
“Everyone has power to dream. But dreams should be turned into resolutions. Never allow any idea to die.”
“To see the divine in all things, to harness self and the ego in the service of the poorest and weakest, so that we find the greater truth, that is the essence of all religions.”
“You can see the change you want to, be what you want be.”
“The world used to think we are a land of snake charmers and black magic. But our youth has surprised the world with its IT skills. I dream of a digital India.”
“India is a youthful country. A country with such a major percentage of youth has the capability to change not only its own, but the fate of the entire world.”
“It is my absolute belief that Indians have unlimited talent. I have no doubt about our capabilities.”
“No one can question the talent of India’s youth after the success of the Mars Mission. Everything indigenous!”
“We walk together, we move together, we think together, we resolve together, and together we take this country forward.”
Personality
A vegetarian and teetotaler, Modi has a frugal lifestyle and is a workaholic and introvert. Modi's personality has been variously described by scholars and biographers as energetic, arrogant, and charismatic.
Modi has been called a fashion leader in India, and his clothing choices have been discussed internationally. Recognition of his sartorial style is a major part of his public image.
In January 2015 while receiving United States President Barack Obama in a state visit at the Hyderabad House, Modi wore a suit with his name embroidered repeatedly in the pinstripes. The suit costing ₹10 lakh (US$14,000) was gifted to him. Modi's political opposition criticized his wearing the suit, complaining that he campaigns on an image of coming from a poor background and living without money while at the same time wearing luxury products such as this suit. Other commentators said that in choosing this suit Modi was being a parvenu, at the height of vanity, going to a ridiculous extreme, and political opposition party leader Jairam Ramesh said that he was a megalomaniac. A month later the suit was auctioned for US$695,000. Journalist Siddharth Varadarajan commented on the public support for the auction by saying "the manner in which Mr. Modi's leadership has been projected is extremely unhealthy in any democratic society".
Modi's usual attire is a kurta and vest, and his unusual half-sleeve kurta is known as the Modi Kurta. The prime minister's clothes are made of silk or cotton, are crisply ironed and are handmade in Gujarat. Modi has favoured certain brands, wearing a Movado watch and Bulgari glasses. When he was chief minister he wore bold, bright colours, changing to pastels as prime minister. For holidays, Modi wears a traditional turban from wherever he is. Some of his clothing has been created by Bollywood fashion designer Troy Costa.
Physical Characteristics:
Height - 170 cm (1.70 m)
Weight - 75 kg (165 lbs)
Eye Colour - Black
Hair Colour - White
Quotes from others about the person
"The Congress Party and the Left have studiously built a demonology around Narendra Modi alleging that, from the moment he took charge as CM, he began his mission to polarise Gujarat on religious lines and orchestrated the 2002 riots in order to consolidate Hindu votes and force Muslims to live as terrorised second class citizens. .... Before I undertook this study, I too was inclined to think that Modi kept Gujarat riot-free after 2002 only because he learnt that the 2002 riots had boomeranged on him. However, when I looked closely at Modi’s tenure from the moment he took oath as chief minister on October 7, 2001, I realised how completely off the mark I had been." - Kishwar, Madhu (2014)
Interests
Adept at using social media, he has been since September 2014 the third-most-followed leader in the world (with over 34.6 million followers on Twitter as of September 2017), behind Barack Obama (95.6 million followers) and Donald Trump (38.8 million followers). Modi's 31 August 2012 post on Google Hangouts made him the first Indian politician to interact with netizens on live chat.
Philosophers & Thinkers
Swami Vivekananda
Politicians
Syama Prasad Mukherjee, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
Writers
Narendra Modi usually reads biography or autobiography of inspirational personalities.
Sport & Clubs
Yoga
Connections
In accordance with Ghanchi tradition, Modi's marriage was arranged by his parents when he was a child. He was engaged at age 13 to Jashodaben, marrying her when he was 18. They spent little time together and grew apart when Modi began two years of travel, including visits to Hindu ashrams. Reportedly, their marriage was never consummated, and he kept it a secret because otherwise he could not have become a 'pracharak' in the puritan Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh. Although Modi kept his marriage secret for most of his career, he acknowledged his wife when he filed his nomination for a parliamentary seat in the 2014 general elections. Modi maintains a close relationship with his mother, Hiraben and often visits her on his birthday to seek her blessings.
Father:
Damodardas Mulchand Modi
(1915 – 1989)
Mother:
Heeraben Modi
(born 1920)
Spouse:
Jashodaben Narendrabhai Modi
(born 1952)
She is an Indian teacher and the wife of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Brother:
Pankaj Modi
He is a clerk in the Information Department in Gandhinagar.
Brother:
Soma Modi
He is a retired officer of Health Department.
Brother:
Amrut Modi
He is a lathe machine operator.
Brother:
Prahlad Modi
He runs a shop in Ahmedabad.
Sister:
Vasantiben Hasmukhlal Modi
colleague:
Ram Nath Kovind
(born 1 October 1945)
He is the 14th and current President of India, in office since 25 July 2017.
colleague:
Pranab Mukherjee
(born 11 December 1935)
He is an Indian politician who served as the 13th President of India from 2012 until 2017.
