Modi’s growing global footprint: 14 highest civilian awards & record approval ratings

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s contribution to shaping the global agenda has been globally recognized, with 14 countries conferring their top awards on the Indian leader. On December 15, 2023, Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan stated in the Parliament that Prime Minister Modi has received recognition from 14 nations since 2014, with seven of them being Islamic countries. Leaders frequently play important, albeit variable, roles in foreign policy formulation, and their leadership styles and relationships with followers impact many facets of the foreign policy process. PM Modi showed a unique and unexpected flair for foreign policy from Day 1 when he assumed charge as the leader of the world’s largest democracy in May 2024. “These awards recognize PM Modi’s evolution as a global statesman who has worked tirelessly to spur India’s rise as a global player. PM Modi has played a pivotal role in shaping global debates on critical issues such as climate change and projecting Indian cultural values in the country’s diplomatic outreach,” said Manish Chand, CEO, Centre for Global India Insights, a think tank focused on global affairs and India and the World magazine. In 2018, the United Nations presented the Prime Minister with the ‘Champion of the Earth’ Award and in 2019, PM Modi was conferred the ‘Global Goalkeeper’ Award’ by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. PM Modi’s worldwide approval ratings have risen significantly as he prepares for a potential third term, owing to his increased popularity, particularly on the global stage. The prime minister currently has a dominant position in worldwide approval surveys, with an outstanding 76 percent rating. (Sujal Shah contributed inputs for this article)