PM Modi Tops Global Leadership Ratings: Despite being in power for over 11 years, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues to rise as a dominant global figure. In a world where most political leaders struggle with approval ratings and declining public trust, Modi has stunned analysts and international agencies by consistently topping global leadership charts. According to recent international surveys, the world today trusts India’s leadership—under Modi—more than that of traditional powers like the United States, China, and Russia.
This remarkable popularity surge has once again brought Modi into the global spotlight, proving that his influence isn’t limited to Indian politics alone.
Modi Surpasses World Leaders in Global Approval Ratings
In a new international survey conducted by American research agency Morning Consult, PM Narendra Modi emerged as the world’s most approved leader with a stunning 78% approval rating. This figure puts him far ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump, who stands at 41%, and other major global players like China’s Xi Jinping and Russia’s Vladimir Putin.
Even after the high-stakes military conflict dubbed Operation Sindoor between India and Pakistan earlier this year, Modi’s domestic and international credibility hasn’t declined. In fact, the post-operation phase saw his ratings reach new highs, completely defying the usual trend of declining popularity in times of military engagement.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has been left behind with a mere 32% approval—reflecting Pakistan’s growing diplomatic isolation and internal discontent.
Trump Trails Behind as Modi’s Global Graph Soars
Even though Donald Trump attempted to position himself as a peacemaker in the Israel-Iran conflict by promoting a ceasefire, it hasn’t helped improve his domestic ratings, which now sit below 45%. In contrast, Modi has not only maintained but strengthened his image as a decisive and trustworthy leader.
What makes Modi’s standing even more remarkable is that he has maintained such dominance for over a decade, winning elections repeatedly and managing multiple international crises.
A Decade in Power, Yet India’s Global Leadership Rising
Prime Minister Modi is now in his 12th year of governance, and rather than showing signs of fatigue, his leadership is becoming more widely accepted on the world stage. This defies global political trends where long-serving leaders often face criticism, distrust, or stagnation.
The Morning Consult Global Leader Rating for May 2025 confirms that Modi is not only leading India effectively but also shaping global conversations on security, diplomacy, and development. Despite criticism and conspiracy narratives by political opponents following Operation Sindoor, Modi’s trust graph has remained untouched.
Opposition’s Narrative Falls Flat Amid International Praise
In India, Modi’s political opposition accused him of acting under U.S. pressure—particularly under Trump’s influence—during the ceasefire declaration after Operation Sindoor. However, the global approval surveys have dismantled that narrative.
Modi’s 78% global rating directly contradicts the perception that he merely follows Western instructions. On the contrary, it shows he is seen as a leader in his own right—someone who is shaping India’s independent and assertive foreign policy.
Lowy Institute: India More Trusted Than the US and China
Another compelling survey by Australia’s Lowy Institute, known for its neutral stance and in-depth global assessments, reveals a striking insight. When asked which country people trust to act responsibly on the global stage:
- Only 36% respondents placed their trust in the United States.
- Just 20% backed China.
- A mere 11% chose Russia.
- But 54% of respondents said they trust India to act responsibly in global affairs.
This figure places India in a position of moral and diplomatic leadership that has rarely been seen in recent decades, especially in a world where geopolitical tensions are rapidly increasing.
World’s Trust in Modi as a Global Decision-Maker
In the same Lowy Institute survey, respondents were asked: “Which world leader do you have the most confidence in, especially regarding global affairs?”
- 35% of the participants chose Narendra Modi.
- Only 25% picked Donald Trump.
- 16% backed Xi Jinping.
- Just 8% had confidence in Vladimir Putin.
This is an incredible global endorsement of Modi’s leadership in handling not only national matters but also sensitive international conflicts.
Modi’s Image in Pakistan: Fear and Respect
Interestingly, Modi’s growing stature isn’t just seen in international boardrooms or foreign media—it has also deeply impacted the political psyche of neighboring Pakistan. There is growing media chatter in Pakistan about India’s possible military responses, with leaders, journalists, and security analysts frequently citing Modi by name.
This shows that Modi’s strategic posture has made even adversarial states consider India’s military and diplomatic moves seriously—something not often achieved by Indian leaders in the past.
88% Indians Trust Modi on National Issues
Back home, his approval continues to remain sky-high. A recent survey suggests that 88% of Indians trust Prime Minister Modi when it comes to handling national issues. Moreover:
- 83% believe India achieved a significant strategic victory in Operation Sindoor.
- The Global Optimism Index indicates that 65% of Indians feel the country is moving in the right direction—far above the global average of 37%.
Rising National Identity and International Respect
A separate Ipsos survey highlighted that 73% of Indians believe defending the country in times of crisis is essential—and they feel that PM Modi has performed that responsibility exceptionally well.
India’s Foreign Minister recently reiterated that if terrorism continues to emanate from Pakistan, India will continue its military countermeasures. This bold posture, backed by public support and international recognition, only strengthens Modi’s image as a no-nonsense, globally trusted leader.
Conclusion: A Global Statesman in the Making
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s current standing is not just a reflection of Indian sentiment but a global recognition of his decisive, independent, and stable leadership. In a time when many world leaders are losing public trust and struggling to maintain political relevance, Modi is steadily rising as a statesman whose influence spans continents.
As the world navigates wars, economic uncertainty, and a shifting power balance, one thing remains clear—India, under Modi, is no longer just a regional power but a globally respected voice.