Narendra Modi
Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister of India, having served in the role since 2014 as leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party, presiding over one of the world's largest democracies.
Over a decade as a state chief minister preceded a landslide national victory that made Modi one of the most dominant figures in modern Indian politics.
A Path Through State Politics
Before national office, Modi served for over a decade as Chief Minister of Gujarat, a period during which the state saw notable economic growth, though his tenure was also marked by significant controversy surrounding deadly 2002 religious riots in the state.
A Landslide National Victory
Modi led the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to a decisive national election victory in 2014, becoming Prime Minister and later winning re-election in subsequent national elections, sustaining a dominant political position in Indian politics.
Economic and Infrastructure Initiatives
Modi's government has pursued major economic initiatives including demonetization of high-value currency notes in 2016, a nationwide goods and services tax, and extensive infrastructure and digital governance programs.
A Prominent Global Role
Modi has positioned India as an increasingly assertive voice in international affairs, expanding the country's diplomatic and economic engagement while India's global economic influence has grown substantially during his tenure.
A Polarizing Domestic Figure
Modi remains a deeply polarizing figure within India, with supporters crediting him with economic modernization and national assertiveness, while critics raise concerns about religious minority rights and press freedom under his government.
