In a milestone moment for digital politics, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has officially become the most followed world leader on Instagram, crossing the remarkable 100 million followers mark. With this feat, Modi has not only dominated the electoral map in the real world but also firmly established himself as the most influential political figure on social media.
Modi joined Instagram in 2014, shortly after assuming office as Prime Minister. Over the years, his account has grown into a powerful communication tool, now featuring thousands of posts that document everything from high-level diplomatic meetings and global summits to cultural celebrations, festival greetings, and candid behind-the-scenes moments. His feed blends governance with storytelling- crisp visuals, short impactful captions, and emotionally resonant imagery that connects with India’s youth-heavy digital population.
The USP of his Instagram presence lies in its accessibility and consistency. Whether it is a photograph from a G20 summit, yoga sessions on International Yoga Day, or moments with schoolchildren and sportspersons, the content humanises leadership while reinforcing authority. His posts frequently garner millions of likes and interactions within hours, reflecting both strong engagement and a well-strategised digital outreach model.
Globally, the gap between Modi and other leaders is striking.
US President Donald Trump has around 40+ million followers, while Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has approximately 15 million. Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdoğan trail further behind with follower counts in the low millions. No other serving head of government currently matches Modi’s three-digit-million milestone.
Within India, other prominent political leaders on Instagram include Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath with over 16 million followers, and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi with around 12–13 million followers- impressive numbers, yet significantly behind the Prime Minister’s digital dominance.
As politics increasingly shifts to reels, stories, and scrolls, Modi’s Instagram rise reflects a broader transformation in global leadership branding. In an era where perception travels at the speed of a swipe, India’s Prime Minister has proven that his popularity extends far beyond rallies and ballots- it now thrives in algorithms and timelines across the world.