Modi Beats Global Leaders, Scores 68% Approval; Donald Trump Lags Behind

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is again at the top of the list of the world’s most popular leaders with a rating of 68 percent. A survey done between March 2 and 8 by an American rating agency shows that Modi’s popularity endures both at home and abroad as he retains his position at the top after three terms.

According to a survey conducted by the prestigious US-based data analytics firm Morning Consult, 75-year-old Prime Minister Narendra Modi has achieved an impressive approval rating of 68 percent, far ahead of his global counterparts. In contrast, US President Donald Trump is nowhere in the top ten rankings, with an approval rating of only 39 percent.

The second spot is shared by the President of Switzerland, Guy Parmelin, and the President of South Korea, Lee Jae-myung, with a rating of 62 percent each. The leader of the Czech Republic and Argentina follow with a rating of 57 percent and 56 percent each, respectively.

Besides US President Trump, other European leaders also lag far behind. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has only a 24 percent approval rating. Among other leaders, French President Emmanuel Macron has a 17 percent approval rating and is seen at the bottom of the list. It is worth noting that PM Modi has consistently maintained the top spot in approval ratings throughout his tenure.

The latest ranking is significant in this context because it coincides with his achievement of becoming the longest-serving head of government. PM Modi achieved a historic milestone in Indian politics this Sunday when he became the country's longest-serving head of government.

He completed 8,931 days as head of government this weekend, including his tenures first as Chief Minister of Gujarat and then as Prime Minister. He entered his 25th year in a crucial leadership role.