Narendra Modi Biography
Narendra Modi is an Indian politician who has served as the Prime Minister of India since May 2014. A senior figure in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), he previously served as Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014. Modi returned as prime minister for a third consecutive term in June 2024 after the parliamentary elections. As of September 2026, he remains India’s serving prime minister and continues to oversee the central government.
Early Life and Family
Narendra Damodardas Modi was born on September 17, 1950, in Vadnagar, Gujarat. He grew up in a modest family and is the son of Damodardas Modi and Hiraba Modi. According to his official biography, he helped his family at their tea stall while growing up and developed an early interest in reading, public speaking and social activities.
Modi turned 76 on September 17, 2026. His birthday was marked by public events and messages from political leaders across India, including Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge.
Education
Modi completed his schooling in Vadnagar before pursuing higher education. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Delhi and later obtained a master’s degree in political science from Gujarat University, according to his official profile.
His early years were also shaped by his association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He became involved with the organisation as a young man and eventually worked as a full-time organiser. His work with the RSS became the foundation for his later political career within the BJP.
Entry Into Politics
Modi’s formal political career developed through the BJP organisation. During the 1980s and 1990s, he worked in party organisation and election strategy in Gujarat and at the national level.
His organisational responsibilities expanded over the years, and he became one of the BJP’s important strategists. In 2001, he moved from party organisation into government when he became Chief Minister of Gujarat.
Chief Minister of Gujarat
Modi served as Gujarat’s chief minister from October 2001 until May 2014. His tenure focused on infrastructure, industrial investment, electricity, roads, technology and administrative reforms, while his record also became the subject of political and public debate, particularly regarding the 2002 Gujarat riots and the government’s handling of the aftermath.
He remained chief minister through several Gujarat elections before moving to national politics in 2014.
Becoming Prime Minister
The BJP selected Modi as its prime ministerial candidate ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha election. The BJP won a parliamentary majority, and Modi was sworn in as prime minister on May 26, 2014.
He was re-elected after the 2019 parliamentary election and began his second term in May 2019. In the 2024 election, the BJP did not win a standalone majority, but the National Democratic Alliance secured enough seats to form the government. Modi was sworn in for a third term on June 9, 2024.
Major Policy Areas
During his years as prime minister, Modi’s government has pursued policies covering infrastructure, digital payments, manufacturing, welfare programs, taxation, renewable energy, national security and foreign relations.
Major initiatives associated with his governments include the Goods and Services Tax, Digital India, Make in India, the Jan Dhan financial-inclusion programme, Swachh Bharat Mission, Ayushman Bharat and various infrastructure and manufacturing programmes.
His government has also placed considerable emphasis on India’s technology and semiconductor sectors. On September 16, 2026, Modi chaired a semiconductor roundtable with leading company executives in New Delhi.
International Relations
Foreign policy has been a prominent part of Modi’s premiership. His governments have strengthened India’s relationships with countries across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and North America while participating actively in organisations such as the G20, BRICS, the United Nations and the Quad.
His administration has also promoted India’s role in technology, energy, defence cooperation and international economic partnerships.
Narendra Modi in 2026
Modi remains India’s prime minister in September 2026. His government is continuing work on economic development, infrastructure, technology and international engagement.
His 76th birthday on September 17 was accompanied by public-service activities and official events. Around the same period, his government was also highlighting India’s semiconductor ambitions, with Modi chairing a meeting with industry leaders on September 16.
Personal Life
Narendra Modi is married to Jashodaben Modi. The couple has lived largely separate public lives for many years, and Modi’s public profile has focused primarily on his political career.
Outside politics, Modi has written books and poetry and has maintained a long-standing interest in yoga. His official profile also identifies reading and writing among his personal interests.
Frequently Asked Questions About Narendra Modi
1. Who is Narendra Modi?
Narendra Modi is an Indian politician and the serving Prime Minister of India. He has held the office since May 2014 and began his third consecutive term in June 2024.
2. How old is Narendra Modi?
Narendra Modi was born on September 17, 1950, in Vadnagar, Gujarat. He turned 76 on September 17, 2026.
3. What did Narendra Modi do before becoming prime minister?
Before becoming prime minister, Modi worked within the RSS and BJP organisation and served as Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014.
4. When did Narendra Modi become Prime Minister of India?
He became prime minister for the first time on May 26, 2014. He was sworn in for a third term on June 9, 2024.
5. What is Narendra Modi doing in 2026?
As of September 2026, Modi remains India’s prime minister. Recent official activities include a semiconductor industry roundtable on September 16 and his 76th birthday on September 17.
