Narendra Modi turns 75: From Trump to Putin, what leaders say about him and his policies

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who turns 75 on Wednesday, has been at the helm for over 11 years and still continue to receive widespread acclaim from leaders across the globe. Praised for his strong foreign policy, economic reforms, and decisive governance, PM Modi has positioned India as a major player on the international stage.

From strengthening bilateral ties to leading global initiatives, his influence extends far beyond national borders. Leaders from countries including the United States, Israel, France, Italy, Brazil, and the UK have frequently lauded his vision, noting his role in reshaping India’s global stature.

Global leaders praise Modi’s leadership

Donald Trump: US President Donald Trump has consistently praised PM Modi, referring to him as a “great prime minister” and a “great friend”, highlighting the strong bilateral ties between the two countries.

Before winning the presidential polls for a second term, Trump last year called PM Modi his 'friend' and the "nicest human being". "Modi (India), he's a friend of mine and also the nicest human being. Before him being appointed as the Prime Minister, India was very unstable. On the outside, he looks like he's your father. He is the nicest and a total killer," he said.

Even amid the ongoing trade tensions between India and the US, Trump referred to Modi as a “very good friend”, with whom he said he would hold talks soon.

Benjamin Netanyahu: Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s close rapport with Modi underscores the depth of India–Israel ties. He has repeatedly praised Modi’s “visionary leadership” and credited him with driving stronger cooperation, especially in defence and technology.

Last month, he congratulated Modi and the people of India on the 79th Independence Day. He called Modi a "dear friend" and expressed optimism about the strengthening partnership between the countries.

Earlier, he had openly supported India regarding Operation Sindoor, affirming Israel's close defence cooperation and praising Indian use of Israeli-made weapons during the operation.

Vladimir Putin: Putin has praised Narendra Modi on multiple recent occasions, recognizing his leadership, India’s "India First" policies, foreign policy independence, and economic achievements.

During the recent visit to China for the SCO Summit, Putin offered a ride to Modi in his Russian-made Aurus limousine, where the former briefed the Indian PM on his talks with Trump at the Alaska Summit.

During Modi’s official visit to Russia in July last year, Putin congratulated him on re-election and praised his dedication to strengthening the Indian state and improving lives. He lauded Modi’s role in ensuring fuel stability in India through Russia-India cooperation and extolled Modi's Make in India program as a driver for youth opportunities and growth.

Georgia Meloni: During the G7 Summit in Canada in June this year, Italian PM Meloni had warmly told PM Modi, “You are the best. I am trying to be as you,” in a widely shared video, spotlighting their friendly rapport.

Time and again over the years, the hashtag “Melodi” (Meloni + Modi) trended online, celebrating their chemistry and frequent interactions at international summits, including COP28 and G20.

Lula da Silva: During PM Modi’s official visit to Brazil in July this year, Lula warmly welcomed him with a ceremonial reception and held extensive talks, praising the breadth of India-Brazil Strategic Partnership. Lula acknowledged Modi’s leadership as instrumental in deepening warm and friendly ties covering trade, defence, energy, health, technology, and other areas. He also commended Modi’s efforts toward counter-terrorism and global governance reforms. Modi was awarded Brazil’s highest honour, the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross, a tribute that Lula was recognized as the architect of the partnership.

In multiple calls and conversations in August 2025, Lula reiterated the importance of enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade, technology, energy, defence, agriculture, health, and people-to-people ties. Lula praised Modi’s role in pursuing India-Brazil strategic relations and reaffirmed commitment to boosting bilateral trade to over $20 billion by 2030. They discussed multilateralism, challenges like unilateral tariffs, and cooperation in BRICS, with Lula planning a state visit to India in early 2026.

Emmanuel Macron: In February this year, Macron warmly hosted Modi during his official visit to France, co-chairing the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit together. Macron praised Modi’s leadership in advancing innovation, technology, and bilateral cooperation across sectors like defence, civil nuclear energy, and space.

Last month, Macron praised Modi’s diplomatic efforts for peace, especially regarding Ukraine conflict resolution. They reviewed bilateral cooperation progress in defence, trade, technology, and energy and reaffirmed commitment to strengthen the India-France strategic partnership.

Keir Starmer: During PM Modi's UK visit in July, UK PM Starmer and PM Modi shared warm moments emphasising strong bilateral ties. Modi thanked Starmer for condemning terrorism and highlighted coordinated efforts on extradition and anti-terrorism. Their rapport was seen as a key milestone in improving India-UK relations.

Earlier, he strongly condemned a terror attack in Pahalgam, India, expressing solidarity with India and offering condolences to Modi. He personally called Modi to convey the UK’s support and condemned terrorism, reinforcing a position of strong partnership on security issues.

Pham Minh Chinh: Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh publicly praised Modi’s leadership over the past decade, crediting him for India’s emergence as the fourth-largest economy globally. He acknowledged India’s expanding global role and significant mark made under Modi’s stewardship, highlighting increased living standards, social security, infrastructure, and food security for millions as major achievements under Modi’s governance.

Modi tops global approval ratings

According to a recent global survey by US-based data analytics firm Morning Consult, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emerged as the world's most popular democratic leader with a 75% approval rating. The survey, conducted between July 4 and 10, 2025, places Modi well ahead of his global counterparts. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung follows with a 59% approval rating, and Argentine President Javier Milei secures the third spot with 57%.