Narendra Modi Biography
Narendra Damodardas Modi is the Prime Minister of India and one of the country’s longest-serving elected heads of government. He has served as prime minister since May 2014 and began his third consecutive term in June 2024. Born on September 17, 1950, in Vadnagar, Gujarat, Modi turned 76 in September 2026.
Before becoming prime minister, Modi served as Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014. His political career developed through the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and the Bharatiya Janata Party before he moved into national politics.
Early Life and Family
Narendra Modi was born on September 17, 1950, in Vadnagar, then part of Bombay State and now in Gujarat. His parents were Damodardas Mulchand Modi and Hiraba Modi.
He grew up in a family that was involved in small-scale commerce. His childhood in Vadnagar has become an important part of his public biography and political identity.
Modi has often spoken publicly about his early years and the influence of his mother. Hiraba Modi died in December 2022 at the age of 99.
Narendra Modi Education
Modi completed his schooling in Vadnagar before continuing his studies in Gujarat.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Delhi and later completed a master’s degree in political science from Gujarat University.
His educational background has been discussed extensively because his academic path ran alongside his early involvement in political and organizational activities.
Narendra Modi and the RSS
Modi became associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh at a young age.
The RSS played a significant role in his political development. He worked as a pracharak, or full-time organizational worker, and gradually took on greater responsibilities within the organization.
His years in the RSS provided experience in political mobilization, communication, public organization and party-building.
Narendra Modi and the BJP
Modi formally entered the BJP’s organizational structure in the 1980s.
He worked in Gujarat and later at the national level, taking responsibility for party organization and election campaigns.
During the early 1990s, he became involved in the BJP’s national organizational work and eventually returned to Gujarat, where he took on an increasingly important role within the state party organization.
His organizational experience eventually led to his appointment as Gujarat chief minister.
Narendra Modi as Gujarat Chief Minister
Narendra Modi became Chief Minister of Gujarat in October 2001.
He remained in office until May 2014, winning successive state elections during his tenure.
His government promoted industrial investment, infrastructure development, electricity and roads, while also facing criticism and political controversy over the 2002 Gujarat riots and questions concerning the state’s handling of communal violence.
The Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team investigated allegations concerning Modi and others. In 2022, the Supreme Court upheld the SIT’s closure report concerning the allegations against Modi and other respondents. The court’s ruling is part of the legal record of the controversy.
Modi’s Gujarat record remains subject to differing political and academic assessments, with supporters highlighting economic and infrastructure initiatives and critics emphasizing issues including social policy, communal relations and governance.
Narendra Modi Becomes Prime Minister
The BJP selected Modi as its prime ministerial candidate for the 2014 general election.
The BJP won a majority in the Lok Sabha, allowing Modi to form the government without requiring a coalition to reach the majority threshold.
He was sworn in as Prime Minister on May 26, 2014.
His first government focused on initiatives including the Jan Dhan financial inclusion programme, Swachh Bharat Mission, Make in India, Digital India and reforms relating to taxation and infrastructure.
Narendra Modi’s Second Term
The BJP won another Lok Sabha majority in the 2019 general election, and Modi began his second term as prime minister on May 30, 2019.
One of the most consequential decisions of his second government came in August 2019, when Parliament passed legislation reorganizing the constitutional arrangements governing Jammu and Kashmir and creating the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
Other major developments during the second term included the COVID-19 pandemic response, the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, the introduction of the National Education Policy 2020 and the passage of major agricultural laws that were later repealed following prolonged farmer protests.
His government also advanced infrastructure programmes, digital payments, renewable energy initiatives and manufacturing policies.
Narendra Modi’s Third Term
The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance won the 2024 Lok Sabha election and formed the government for a third consecutive term.
Modi was sworn in as prime minister for the third time on June 9, 2024. The third government is supported by coalition partners in the NDA, meaning the BJP does not hold a standalone majority in the 18th Lok Sabha.
His third-term agenda has included infrastructure, manufacturing, digital public services, technology, energy, economic growth and India’s international relationships.
Narendra Modi’s International Role
As prime minister, Modi has played a prominent role in India’s foreign policy.
His government has strengthened India’s engagement with the United States, European countries, Gulf states, Japan, Australia and other partners while maintaining longstanding relationships with Russia and other countries.
India’s G20 presidency in 2023 was one of the major international events of his second term. India also hosted the G20 Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi in September 2023.
Modi has continued to emphasize India’s role in multilateral institutions and international groupings such as the G20, BRICS, Quad and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
In September 2026, Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS summit.
Narendra Modi’s Major Government Initiatives
Several programmes and policy initiatives have become closely associated with Modi’s governments.
These include:
- Swachh Bharat Mission, focused on sanitation and cleanliness.
- Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, aimed at expanding access to banking services.
- Digital India, focused on digital infrastructure and public services.
- Make in India, designed to encourage manufacturing.
- Ayushman Bharat, a major government health insurance and healthcare initiative.
- Ujjwala Yojana, which expanded access to LPG connections for eligible households.
- PM Gati Shakti, focused on coordinated infrastructure planning.
- Atmanirbhar Bharat, emphasizing domestic production and economic self-reliance.
The outcomes and effectiveness of these policies have been assessed differently by government agencies, researchers, political parties and independent commentators.
Narendra Modi in 2026
As of September 2026, Narendra Modi remains India’s prime minister.
His official Prime Minister’s Office website records a series of government activities in September. On September 19, 2026, he distributed more than 51,000 appointment letters at the 20th Rozgar Mela and inaugurated an international conference on environmental and climate dynamics.
On September 23, he congratulated Indian athletes competing at the 2026 Asian Games, including Mirabai Chanu after she won silver in the women’s 49kg weightlifting event.
His government has also continued work on economic development, employment, infrastructure, technology, climate policy and international trade.
Reuters reported on September 22, 2026, that Modi was expected to visit Canada in December for discussions connected with a prospective trade deal. The report attributed the expectation to sources and Canadian government developments, so the trip should be treated as planned or expected rather than completed.
Narendra Modi’s Personal Life
Narendra Modi married Jashodaben in 1968. The marriage was arranged when both were young, and Modi later left home to pursue his religious and organizational interests.
Jashodaben has largely lived a private life away from national politics. Modi has no children.
His personal life has remained relatively private compared with the extensive public attention surrounding his political career.
Narendra Modi’s Awards and Recognition
Modi has received a number of international state honours during his time as prime minister.
These have included civilian or state decorations from countries including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Afghanistan, Bhutan and other nations.
In India, he has also received national and institutional recognition for his political leadership and public service.
Narendra Modi’s Political Legacy
Modi’s political career has influenced India’s domestic politics, economic policy, foreign relations and public administration for more than two decades.
Supporters point to policies involving infrastructure, digital services, welfare delivery, manufacturing and India’s international profile. Opposition parties and critics have raised concerns about issues including civil liberties, communal relations, institutional independence, economic policy and the government’s handling of dissent.
These competing assessments remain part of public and political debate. They should be distinguished from documented facts about Modi’s offices, election results and government actions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Narendra Modi
Who is Narendra Modi?
Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister of India and a senior BJP leader. He became prime minister in 2014 and began his third consecutive term in June 2024.
How old is Narendra Modi?
Narendra Modi was born on September 17, 1950, in Vadnagar, Gujarat. He turned 76 on September 17, 2026.
Who is Narendra Modi’s wife?
Narendra Modi’s wife is Jashodaben. They married in 1968. Modi has no children.
What did Narendra Modi study?
Narendra Modi studied political science. He completed a bachelor’s degree from the University of Delhi and later earned a master’s degree in political science from Gujarat University.
How many times has Narendra Modi served as India’s Prime Minister?
Narendra Modi has served as prime minister for three consecutive terms. He first took office on May 26, 2014, began his second term in May 2019 and was sworn in for his third term on June 9, 2024.