Narendra Modi: Political Career, Economic Policies, Leadership Style, Foreign Relations, & Social Initiatives

Narendra Modi: A Comprehensive Overview of Political Career, Economic Policies, Leadership Style, Foreign Relations, and Social Initiatives

Narendra Damodardas Modi, popularly known as Modi, assumed office as the Prime Minister of India on May 26, 2014, succeeding Dr. Manmohan Singh. Prior to his appointment as the Prime Minister, Modi served as the Chief Minister of Gujarat for three consecutive terms from October 2001 to May 2014. Before his political career, he worked in the Department of Posts and later formed a local branch of the student wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Political Career

In the 2014 general elections, Modi secured a landslide victory, leading the BJP to form a majority government. He was re-elected in 2019, winning a second term with an even larger mandate. Throughout his premiership, Modi has emphasized maintaining close relationships with India's immediate neighbors, specifically in South Asia, through initiatives like the Act East policy and neighbor-first approach.

Economic Policies

Modi's government implemented neoliberal economic policies that focused on privatization and deregulation. Key changes included modifying India's foreign direct investment rules, allowing more foreign investments in sectors such as defense and railways. However, these measures faced resistance from labor unions, resulting in a nationwide strike on September 2, 2015.

Leadership Style

As the Prime Minister, Modi has demonstrated a transformative leadership style aimed at driving India's economic growth while promoting social inclusion. Notable initiatives include the Startup India program, Skill India Mission, and Digital India initiative. Despite facing criticism regarding democratic backsliding, Modi's visions extend beyond economic prosperity, incorporating social welfare, environmental sustainability, and technological advancement.

Foreign Relations

Modi's foreign policy has prioritized strengthening India's global standing, with a particular focus on enhancing strategic partnerships with major players like the United States, Australia, and Japan. Additionally, his government initiated joint projects with the United States in the Indian and Pacific oceans, while attempting to balance interests in the increasingly contested Indo-Pacific region.

Social Initiatives

Under Modi's leadership, several social welfare programs have been introduced to empower citizens and enhance quality of life. For example, the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission) aims to improve sanitation and hygiene standards, while the Jan Dhan Yojana (Financial Inclusion Scheme) has provided access to banking services to hundreds of millions of unbanked individuals. Other notable initiatives include the Ujjwala Yojana (LPG scheme) and the Make in India campaign.