Prime Minister Narendra Modi has etched his name in digital history by becoming the first world leader and politician to cross 100 million followers on Instagram. The milestone, achieved on Thursday, underscores not only his immense popularity but also the growing power of social media in shaping modern political communication.

Having joined the Meta-owned photo-sharing platform in 2014, PM Modi’s Instagram journey spans over a decade. During this time, his account has evolved into one of the most followed and highly engaged political profiles globally. From official engagements and foreign visits to cultural moments and personal reflections, his Instagram feed offers a curated yet relatable window into his leadership and public life. The result is an unparalleled digital footprint that now sets a global benchmark.

A Record-Breaking Digital Milestone

By surpassing 100 million followers, PM Modi has established himself as the most followed world leader on Instagram. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is the scale of the gap between him and other prominent global figures.

Among world leaders, the closest competitor is Donald Trump, who stands at 43.2 million followers—less than half of PM Modi’s total. Following him is Prabowo Subianto with 15 million followers. Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has 14.4 million followers, while Recep Tayyip Erdogan has 11.6 million. Javier Milei trails with 6.4 million followers.

Significantly, the combined follower count of these five major global leaders remains lower than PM Modi’s individual tally. This statistic alone highlights the extraordinary scale of his digital outreach and influence.

The numbers reflect more than just popularity; they indicate a deep resonance with audiences, particularly young users who dominate platforms like Instagram. In an era where digital narratives shape public perception, PM Modi’s social media dominance sets a new precedent for political leaders worldwide.

A Decade of Strategic Digital Engagement

Since joining Instagram in 2014, PM Modi has leveraged the platform strategically. His account regularly features snapshots from official meetings, international summits, grassroots outreach initiatives, and cultural events. He also shares images capturing interactions with citizens, children, innovators, and community leaders.

This blend of governance, diplomacy, culture, and personal touch has helped humanise his leadership style while reinforcing his policy-driven image. The account’s consistent engagement levels indicate that the content resonates not only with followers in India but also with audiences across the globe.

Observers point out that this approach reflects a broader shift in political communication. Visual storytelling and direct engagement through digital platforms now play a crucial role in shaping a leader’s public persona. By maintaining an active and diverse presence, PM Modi has effectively bypassed traditional communication channels to connect directly with citizens.

Dominance in India’s Political Landscape

The Prime Minister’s lead is equally pronounced within India. No other Indian political leader comes close to matching his Instagram following.

Yogi Adityanath holds the second position domestically with around 16.1 million followers. Rahul Gandhi stands third with approximately 12.6 million followers. The gap between PM Modi and his nearest domestic rival is staggering, underscoring his commanding presence on social media platforms.

This disparity highlights not just personal popularity but also the Prime Minister’s early and sustained adoption of digital platforms as key tools for outreach and governance messaging. Over the years, social media has become central to his communication strategy, enabling real-time engagement with millions.

Global Recognition Beyond Social Media

The Instagram milestone coincides with PM Modi’s active diplomatic engagements abroad. Currently on a two-day official visit to Israel, the Prime Minister was conferred the highest honour of the Knesset — the “Speaker of the Knesset Medal” — by the Israeli Parliament on Wednesday.

The award was presented in recognition of his “exceptional contribution through his personal leadership” in strengthening strategic relations between India and Israel. The medal was conferred after his speech in the Israeli Parliament, during which he received a standing ovation.

In his address, PM Modi expressed India’s admiration for Israel’s resolve, courage, and achievements. Following the speech, he interacted with members of the Knesset, further reinforcing bilateral ties between the two nations. The recognition underscores how his influence extends beyond digital platforms into diplomatic and geopolitical arenas.

Approval Ratings Reinforce Popularity

PM Modi’s digital dominance aligns with strong approval ratings in global surveys. In July 2025, he emerged as the leading democratic leader with a 75 percent approval rating, according to a global survey conducted by US-based data analytics firm Morning Consult.

Morning Consult’s 2025 data showed that PM Modi topped the global list of “Democratic Leader Approval Ratings” with a 75 percent approval score, followed by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung at 59 percent. In the same survey, Donald Trump ranked eighth with an approval rating under 45 percent.

According to the latest data released by Morning Consult, based on responses collected from February 2 to February 8, 2026, PM Modi again ranked first with a 67 percent approval rating. Czech Republic’s Andrej Babis secured second place with a 59 percent rating, while Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi ranked fifth with 56 percent. Donald Trump stood 11th with a 40 percent approval rating.

Separate data cited by Statista also placed PM Modi at the top among select world leaders as of December 2025, with a 70 percent approval rating. In that ranking, Japan’s Sanae Takaichi was second with 63 percent, and Argentina’s Javier Milei was third with 60 percent. Trump ranked 11th with a 43 percent approval rating.

These figures reinforce the broader narrative of his popularity both domestically and internationally. The convergence of high social media following and strong approval ratings presents a comprehensive picture of his public standing.

The Digital Age of Political Leadership

PM Modi’s achievement of 100 million Instagram followers is more than a statistical milestone—it signals a transformation in how political leadership is perceived and communicated. Social media platforms like Instagram have become essential tools for leaders seeking to connect with younger demographics and global audiences.

Visual platforms offer immediacy and relatability, enabling leaders to share moments that go beyond formal speeches and policy documents. For PM Modi, this strategy has proven highly effective. His posts frequently generate significant engagement, reflecting active participation from followers across continents.

The milestone also underscores a broader global trend: citizens increasingly turn to digital platforms for news, updates, and direct communication from their leaders. In this context, PM Modi’s Instagram success represents a case study in effective digital governance communication.

Setting a Global Benchmark

By crossing the 100 million follower mark, PM Narendra Modi has not only set a new record but also redefined the parameters of political influence in the digital age. His lead over other global leaders is substantial, and the combined follower count of several major world leaders still falls short of his individual total.

Domestically, the gap between him and other Indian politicians further emphasises his unmatched digital footprint. Internationally, strong approval ratings complement his online presence, reinforcing his position as one of the most influential leaders of the contemporary era.

As political communication continues to evolve, this milestone will likely be remembered as a defining moment in the intersection of governance and digital engagement. PM Modi’s 100 million Instagram followers are not just a number—they represent a transformative shift in how leadership connects with the world.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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