Narendra Modi Biography
Narendra Modi is an Indian politician who has served as the country’s prime minister since May 2014. A longtime leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), he previously served as chief minister of Gujarat and worked for years in political organisation before entering government leadership.
Born on September 17, 1950, in Vadnagar, Gujarat, Modi grew up in a family of modest means. His early life, association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and subsequent work within the BJP shaped his path into national politics.
Modi became prime minister after the BJP won the 2014 general election. He was sworn in for a third consecutive term on June 9, 2024, following the 2024 parliamentary election. His time in office has included major government initiatives, changes in economic and digital policy, foreign-policy engagement and significant political controversies.
Early Life and Family Background
Narendra Damodardas Modi was born in Vadnagar, a town in Gujarat’s Mehsana district. He was one of six children born to Damodardas Mulchand Modi and Hiraben Modi.
His family operated a small tea stall, and Modi’s official biography describes him as helping with the family business during his younger years. Vadnagar, with its long history and religious and cultural traditions, formed the setting for his childhood.
As a student, Modi participated in debates and showed an interest in reading. He later became involved in public and political activities, eventually choosing organisational work over a conventional professional career.
His early years have remained an important part of his public story, especially in accounts of his rise from a small town to the highest elected office in India.
Education
Modi completed his schooling in Vadnagar. His education later became the subject of public discussion, particularly regarding his university qualifications.
According to publicly reported records, he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree through the School of Open Learning at the University of Delhi and later received a Master of Arts degree in political science from Gujarat University.
His political development, however, was shaped as much by organisational experience as by formal education. Before becoming chief minister, he spent years working within political organisations and participating in election campaigns.
Entry into Public and Political Life
Modi became associated with the RSS during his youth. He worked as a full-time organiser, taking part in organisational activities and developing connections across the movement.
He later joined the BJP’s political organisation in Gujarat. His work included coordinating party activities, supporting election campaigns and helping manage organisational responsibilities.
During the 1990s, Modi held increasingly senior roles within the BJP. His work extended beyond Gujarat, and he became known within the party for election organisation and campaign planning.
This period laid the groundwork for his transition from party organisation to government leadership.
Chief Minister of Gujarat
In October 2001, Modi became chief minister of Gujarat, succeeding Keshubhai Patel. He remained in the position until May 2014, when he moved to national politics after the BJP’s victory in the general election.
His tenure included efforts to attract investment, expand infrastructure and promote Gujarat as a destination for industrial development. Supporters highlighted improvements in roads, electricity, industrial activity and government administration.
His time as chief minister was also shaped by the 2002 Gujarat riots, in which large numbers of people, predominantly Muslims, were killed. Modi’s handling of the violence became the subject of intense public criticism, legal scrutiny and political debate. The Supreme Court-appointed investigation did not find sufficient evidence to prosecute Modi in the case before it, and the Supreme Court accepted the closure report in 2022. The events nevertheless remain a major part of the public debate about his political record.
Narendra Modi Becomes Prime Minister
The BJP won a parliamentary majority in the 2014 general election, and Modi took office as prime minister on May 26, 2014.
His government introduced or expanded several national programmes, including Swachh Bharat Mission, Make in India, Digital India, Jan Dhan Yojana and the expansion of direct benefit transfers.
In November 2016, his government withdrew the legal-tender status of most high-value ₹500 and ₹1,000 banknotes. The policy, known as demonetisation, was presented as a measure against undeclared wealth, counterfeit currency and corruption. It also generated significant debate about economic disruption, cash shortages and its overall effectiveness.
In 2017, India introduced a nationwide Goods and Services Tax (GST), replacing multiple central and state indirect taxes with a more integrated system. The tax reform changed the way many businesses collect and report indirect taxes, although its implementation and effects have continued to be debated.
Second Term and Major Policy Changes
The BJP returned to power in the 2019 general election, and Modi began his second term as prime minister.
One of the most consequential decisions of that period came in August 2019, when the government revoked the special constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 and reorganised the former state into two union territories.
His government also oversaw the passage of the Citizenship Amendment Act in 2019. The legislation provided an expedited route to Indian citizenship for certain religious minorities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan who entered India before the specified cutoff date, excluding Muslims from those provisions. The law led to extensive protests and debate over citizenship, religious discrimination and India’s constitutional principles.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the central government coordinated public-health measures, vaccine procurement and a large vaccination programme. The period also involved major challenges, including the devastating second wave in 2021.
Third Term as Prime Minister
After the 2024 general election, Modi was sworn in for a third consecutive term on June 9, 2024. The BJP did not secure an outright parliamentary majority on its own in that election and formed the government with support from coalition partners in the National Democratic Alliance.
His third term has involved continued attention to infrastructure, manufacturing, digital services, welfare programmes, foreign investment and India’s role in international affairs.
Modi’s government has continued to promote initiatives connected with domestic manufacturing and digital public infrastructure. Its policies have also been debated on issues including employment, social cohesion, federal relations, press freedom and the treatment of religious minorities.
International Relations
Modi has made international engagement a prominent part of his premiership. His government has pursued relations with the United States, European countries, Japan, Australia, Russia, Gulf states and other partners.
India has participated in initiatives involving the G20, the Quad and other multilateral forums. The government has presented its foreign policy as an effort to expand India’s economic and strategic influence while maintaining relationships with countries that sometimes have competing interests.
India’s relations with China and Pakistan have remained significant security and diplomatic concerns. Trade, border disputes, regional stability and defence cooperation have continued to shape the country’s international agenda.
Narendra Modi’s Wife and Family
Modi’s wife is Jashodaben Modi. Their marriage took place when they were young, and Modi has lived much of his adult public life separately from her. She has generally maintained a private life away from the political spotlight.
His parents were Damodardas Mulchand Modi and Hiraben Modi. His mother died in December 2022.
Modi has no publicly acknowledged children. He has often described his political work as his principal responsibility and has maintained a public image centred on national leadership and government duties.
Awards and Public Recognition
Modi has received foreign state honours and international recognition during his time as prime minister. Such honours have been presented by governments for diplomatic relations and cooperation with India.
His supporters point to India’s infrastructure expansion, digital public services, welfare delivery and growing international profile as important parts of his record. Critics have raised concerns about religious polarisation, civil liberties, economic inequality and democratic institutions.
A complete biography of Modi therefore includes both the policies and political developments associated with his government and the significant disputes surrounding his leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions About Narendra Modi
1. When was Narendra Modi born?
Narendra Modi was born on September 17, 1950, in Vadnagar, Gujarat, India.
2. How old is Narendra Modi in 2026?
He is 76 years old as of October 2026.
3. What is Narendra Modi’s political party?
He is a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
4. When did Narendra Modi become prime minister?
He first took office on May 26, 2014, and began his third consecutive term on June 9, 2024.
5. Was Narendra Modi chief minister of Gujarat?
Yes. He served as Gujarat’s chief minister from 2001 until 2014.
6. Who is Narendra Modi’s wife?
His wife is Jashodaben Modi. They married when they were young but have lived separately for much of their adult lives.
7. What is Narendra Modi’s educational background?
Publicly reported records state that he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree through the University of Delhi’s School of Open Learning and a master’s degree in political science from Gujarat University.
8. What are some major programmes launched or expanded under Modi?
They include Swachh Bharat Mission, Digital India, Make in India and Jan Dhan Yojana.
9. What happened in the 2024 general election?
The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance formed the government, and Modi was sworn in for a third term. The BJP relied on coalition partners because it did not win an outright majority by itself.
10. Why is Narendra Modi a controversial political figure?
His government has received support for its development and infrastructure policies while facing criticism over religious polarisation, civil liberties, employment and the handling of major political and social issues.