THE WORLD’S MOST POPULAR LEADER

INDIAN Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been identified as the world’s most popular leader, with a 78 per cent approval rating.

A survey featuring the 22 most notable global leaders found that Modi’s approval rating stood out, with United President Joe Biden polling 40 per cent.

This is the second straight year that Modi has topped the poll.

The survey was conducted over five days by the United States-based firm Morning Consult, a political intelligence research organisation.

Mexico’s President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador came second, with a 68 per cent approval rating, followed by Swiss President Alain Berset, who had 62 per cent support.

Modi’s international standing continues to rise, with his presidency of the G7 countries, his statesmanship on global issues, and a domestic economy that is expected to grow by 7.5 per cent during this fiscal year.

He has advocated diplomacy and dialogue in resolving the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, saying that “this is not a time for war.”

The Modi administration continues to reach out to the Indian diaspora, estimated at around 32 million.

During the Covid-19 crisis, the Indian leadership provided vaccines to several countries.

The Indian and international media have noted Modi’s enormous popularity and the fact that he has weathered domestic political storms.

Modi, 72, has been Prime Minister since 2014, the 14^th holder of the position.

He served as Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014.

He has received several international awards and citations.