India (Commonwealth Union)_ In a landmark achievement for digital diplomacy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emerged as the most followed world leader on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), surpassing a staggering 100 million followers. This milestone underscores not only his immense popularity in India but also his global influence in the digital arena. Accordingly, Prime Minister Modi’s ascent to this digital summit marks a notable increase of approximately 30 million followers over the past three years alone. His engagement on X, dating back to 2009, has been marked by proactive interactions with a diverse array of users, including party workers, supporters, cabinet colleagues, and ordinary citizens.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi surpasses other global leaders in social media following. US President Joe Biden trails with 38.1 million followers, while Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has 6.5 million. Within India, Modi leads significantly over his political competitors: Rahul Gandhi (26.4 million); Arvind Kejriwal (27.5 million); Akhilesh Yadav (19.9 million); Mamata Banerjee (7.4 million); Lalu Yadav (6.3 million); Tejashwi Yadav (5.2 million); and Sharad Pawar (2.9 million) combined total fewer than 100 million followers. Additionally, Modi’s follower count exceeds that of sports stars like Virat Kohli (64.1 million); Neymar Jr (63.6 million); and LeBron James (52.9 million), and even outstrips global celebrities such as Taylor Swift (95.3 million); Lady Gaga (83.1 million); and Kim Kardashian (75.2 million).
Also read: India-Russia friendship soars as Modi visits Putin
Furthermore, in contrast to many public figures, Modi reportedly engages directly with followers and has never blocked anyone, fostering a direct and inclusive communication style that resonates widely. The significance of this achievement extends beyond mere numbers. Home Minister Amit Shah described Prime Minister Modi as an unparalleled global leader whose digital footprint reflects his dominance on the international stage. This sentiment aligns with the fact that Modi’s follower count surpasses that of other prominent leaders, with US President Joe Biden trailing significantly at 38.1 million followers.
Also read: Decoding Modi’s electoral setback
Additionally, Modi’s digital dominance extends across multiple platforms, including YouTube and Instagram, where he boasts nearly 25 million subscribers and over 91 million followers respectively. This broad digital footprint not only amplifies his messages but also facilitates direct engagement with a global audience, reaffirming his role as a pivotal figure in international discourse. Acknowledging the milestone, Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude for the vibrant exchange of ideas and opinions facilitated by social media. His posts emphasize a commitment to dialogue, constructive criticism, and engagement with diverse viewpoints, reflecting a leadership style that embraces digital connectivity as a cornerstone of modern governance. He penned, “A hundred million on X! Happy to be on this vibrant medium and cherish the discussion, debate, insights, people’s blessings, constructive criticism, and more. Looking forward to an equally engaging time in the future as well.”
Beyond his native India, Modi’s digital influence also resonates globally, evidenced by interactions with world leaders seeking to enhance their own digital presence through engagements with him. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy, for instance, has shared memorable interactions with Modi, showing widespread engagement and commentary on X. Additionally, the impact of Modi’s digital strategy also extends beyond mere metrics. Accordingly, a survey conducted by Morning Consult earlier this year positioned him as the world’s most popular leader, attaining a remarkable 78% approval rating globally. In contrast, US President Joe Biden received 37 percent approval, while then UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was approved by 25 percent of respondents. This popularity underscores his ability to connect with a vast and diverse audience, transcending geographical boundaries and cultural differences through compelling and insightful digital content.
Overall, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s achievement of surpassing 100 million followers on X marks a watershed moment in digital diplomacy. It highlights not only his unparalleled digital influence but also his ability to leverage social media followers as a tool for meaningful engagement and communication. As he continues to navigate the digital landscape with finesse, Modi’s presence on X reaffirms his status as a global leader shaping the contours of international discourse in the digital age.
