Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become the first world leader and politician to surpass 100 million followers on Instagram, setting a historic global benchmark in digital engagement. The milestone highlights his continued dominance on social media and his ability to connect with diverse audiences across India and around the world.
Having joined Instagram in 2014, Prime Minister Modi has steadily built a strong digital presence, sharing updates on governance, international engagements, cultural moments, and citizen-focused initiatives.
Global Comparison: Other World Leaders on Instagram
Prime Minister Modi’s follower count significantly exceeds that of other prominent global leaders.
Donald Trump ranks second with 43.2 million followers. He is followed by:
-
Prabowo Subianto – 15 million followers
-
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva – 14.4 million followers
-
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan – 11.6 million followers
-
Javier Milei – 6.4 million followers
Notably, the combined follower count of these five leaders remains below Prime Minister Modi’s individual tally, underscoring his unparalleled digital reach.
Strong Digital Leadership Within India
Within India, Prime Minister Modi also maintains a substantial lead over other political figures.
Yogi Adityanath holds the second position domestically with approximately 16.1 million followers, followed by Rahul Gandhi with around 12.6 million.
The Prime Minister’s digital communication strategy focuses on inclusivity, transparency, and direct citizen engagement, making social media a key pillar of modern governance.
Official Visit to Israel: Strengthening Strategic Ties
The Instagram milestone coincides with Prime Minister Modi’s two-day official visit to Israel, aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation.
During his visit, the Israeli Parliament conferred upon him the “Speaker of the Knesset Medal,” the highest honour awarded by the Knesset. The recognition acknowledged his leadership in enhancing strategic relations between India and Israel.
Following his address to the Israeli Parliament, members of the Knesset interacted with the Prime Minister, with several lawmakers taking photographs with him. His speech received a standing ovation and repeated applause.
Emphasis on Historical and Cultural Connections
In his address, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the deep historical bonds between India and Israel. He referenced ancient connections dating back over two millennia, including mentions of India as “Hodu” in the Book of Esther and references to trade with India in the Talmud.
He emphasized shared democratic values, innovation partnerships, and expanding cooperation in areas such as technology, agriculture, defence, and water management.
