Review of 11 Years of Governance, Global Diplomacy, Reforms, and Leadership

India is celebrating Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday on 17 September 2025. It is not just a personal milestone but also a historic moment for a nation that has seen more than a decade of transformation under his leadership. Since taking office as Prime Minister in 2014, Modi has shaped India’s political, economic, and social landscape in ways that have drawn both praise and criticism.

Modi’s Early Life: From Tea Seller to Prime Minister

Humble Beginnings

Narendra Modi was born in Vadnagar, Gujarat, on 17 September 1950. His father, Damodardas Modi, ran a tea stall at the railway station. Young Narendra often helped, selling tea to passengers. This story has become symbolic of his rise, representing determination, resilience, and the idea that ordinary Indians can achieve extraordinary success.

Education and Ideological Roots

Modi’s early association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) shaped his ideology. Known for its discipline and emphasis on nationalism, the RSS experience gave Modi a rigorous training in organization, communication, and grassroots outreach.

Gujarat Years: The Chief Minister Era

Modi became Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2001. During his tenure, Gujarat saw:

Strong economic growth driven by industrialization.
Investments in infrastructure and energy.
Policy focus on governance efficiency.

However, the 2002 Gujarat riots remain a deeply controversial chapter. Critics raised concerns about his handling of the situation, while supporters highlighted his later focus on peace and development.

2014: The Modi Wave and National Leadership

In 2014, Narendra Modi led the BJP to a historic majority in Lok Sabha elections. His campaign focused on:

Development and economic growth.
Anti-corruption promises.
A strong, decisive leadership style.

The slogan “Achhe Din Aane Wale Hain” (Good days are coming) captured the nation’s mood. Modi’s personal charisma, oratory skills, and promise of transformation resonated strongly with India’s youth and middle class.

He became the first non-Congress Prime Minister to secure an absolute majority in over three decades.

Modi’s Governance Philosophy

Modi’s governance style is defined by:

Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas – inclusive development and trust.
Centralized decision-making with a strong Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
Heavy reliance on digital platforms to communicate directly with citizens.
Symbolism and mass outreach – Mann Ki Baat, yoga diplomacy, and large-scale events.

This mix of nationalism, modern governance, and personal connect makes his leadership distinct.

Economic Growth and Reforms under Modi

GDP and Growth Story

Under Modi, India consistently ranked as one of the fastest-growing major economies. Key highlights:

GDP growth averaged 6-7% annually despite global slowdowns.
India overtook the UK to become the fifth-largest economy by nominal GDP.
Massive expansion of the digital economy through UPI, fintech, and startups.

Big Reforms

Goods and Services Tax (GST) – unified India’s tax system.
Demonetization (2016) – aimed at curbing black money and pushing digital payments.
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) – addressed bad loans and NPAs in banks.
Make in India & Atmanirbhar Bharat – aimed at boosting local manufacturing.

Job Creation Challenges

While growth was strong, employment generation remained uneven. Sectors like IT and services thrived, but manufacturing and agriculture jobs lagged. Critics often highlight this as a gap in Modi’s economic success.

Infrastructure and Connectivity

Modi emphasized “Speed and Scale” in infrastructure.

Highways: Record road-building pace.
Railways: Modernization of trains, electrification, bullet train project.
Airports: Expansion of regional airports under UDAN scheme.
Urban Development: Smart Cities Mission, metro expansion.
Rural Electrification: Every village connected to electricity.
Digital Infrastructure: BharatNet brought broadband to villages.

This focus positioned infrastructure as the backbone of India’s future economy.

Social Welfare and Empowerment

Health Reforms

Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY): World’s largest government-funded health insurance.
Jan Aushadhi stores: Affordable medicines.
COVID-19 response: Free vaccination drive, ration support, DBT transfers.

Women Empowerment

Ujjwala Yojana: Free LPG connections to poor households.
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao: Focus on girl child education.
Mudra Yojana: Small loans for women entrepreneurs.

Housing, Sanitation, Water

Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: India declared open-defecation free.
PM Awas Yojana: Affordable housing for the poor.
Jal Jeevan Mission: Tap water connections in rural households.

Education and Youth Development

NEP 2020: Major overhaul of education system – flexibility, vocational training, digital learning.
Skill India Mission: Training for millions of youth.
Digital push: E-learning platforms like SWAYAM and DIKSHA.
Start-up India: Policy support for innovation and entrepreneurship.

India on the Global Stage

Foreign Policy Achievements

Neighbourhood First: Improved regional ties.
Stronger relations with US, Japan, Israel, Middle East.
Leadership in G20 Summit 2023.
International Solar Alliance and climate leadership.

Defense and Security

Modernization of armed forces.
Surgical strikes and Balakot airstrikes projected assertiveness.
Push for defense indigenization under “Make in India.”

Leadership Style and Governance

Use of social media, Mann Ki Baat, and rallies for mass connect.
Event branding: Yoga Day, Statue of Unity, Digital India campaigns.
Strong PMO with centralized decision-making.

Critics argue this reduces institutional balance, but supporters see it as decisive governance.

Challenges and Criticism

Employment Gap: Growth not translating into enough jobs.
Agricultural Distress: Farmers’ protests over farm laws.
Social Issues: Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) controversies.
Democratic Concerns: Centralization of power and dissent issues.
Environmental Impact: Balancing industrial growth with ecology.

Modi’s Legacy after 11 Years

Digital-first India – UPI, Aadhaar, DBT revolution.
Global recognition – stronger diplomatic standing.
Social welfare scale-up – health, sanitation, housing, empowerment.
Economic transformation – reforms, GST, infrastructure, manufacturing push.

Modi’s 75th Birthday: National Reflections

On his 75th birthday, Modi is celebrated not just as an individual but as a symbol of India’s aspirations.

Supporters hail his vision, reforms, and decisive leadership.
Critics emphasize the need for more inclusivity, jobs, and democratic space.

Either way, his impact is undeniable.

Future Vision

Looking ahead, Modi’s roadmap focuses on:

Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance).
AI, digital transformation, and innovation economy.
Green energy leadership.
Expanding India’s role in global geopolitics.

Modi and India’s Relations with the World

Narendra Modi has transformed India’s foreign policy from a cautious, reactive stance to a bold, proactive diplomacy.

United States

Enhanced strategic and defense ties.
Strengthened Quad partnership (US, India, Japan, Australia).
Cooperation in technology, space, climate, and trade.
Indian diaspora in the US became a strong bridge, evident in events like “Howdy Modi” in Houston.
The United States had earlier imposed an extra 25% tariff on certain Indian goods, mainly as part of trade tensions during Donald Trump’s presidency. These tariffs affected Indian exports such as steel, aluminum, and some manufactured products, making them costlier in the US market. Now, reports suggest that Trump may soon roll back this additional 25% tariff. The move is expected to ease trade relations between the two countries and give Indian exporters a much-needed relief. For India, this rollback could boost competitiveness in the American market. It may also encourage more bilateral trade and open doors for fresh investment opportunities. Overall, the step signals a softer approach and renewed cooperation in Indo-US economic ties and much of the credit goes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strong diplomatic efforts.

Russia

Continued defense and energy partnership.
Balanced ties despite global tensions (e.g., Ukraine war).
India maintained strategic autonomy.

China

Relations have been complex and tense.
Border stand-offs at Doklam (2017) and Galwan (2020) tested diplomacy.
Modi pushed for infrastructure upgrades in border areas to strengthen defense.

Japan

Strong economic and strategic ties.
Bullet train project (Mumbai–Ahmedabad).
Shared vision of Free and Open Indo-Pacific.

Middle East & Gulf

Improved relations with UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Iran.
Secured energy supplies and job opportunities for millions of Indians abroad.
Received the UAE’s highest civilian award.

Europe & Africa

Partnerships with France, Germany, and UK in defense, climate, and trade.
Africa became a major focus for investment, healthcare, and connectivity.

Global Stage

Hosted G20 Summit 2023 in India.
Leadership in climate action, renewable energy, and International Solar Alliance.
Championed Yoga Day at the UN, making it a global cultural phenomenon.

Army, Defense, and National Security

Modi placed national security and defense modernization at the core of his leadership.

Terror Attacks and Responses

Pathankot attack (2016) and Uri attack (2016) tested India’s response.
Modi authorized surgical strikes across the Line of Control.
Pulwama attack (2019) led to Balakot airstrikes, projecting a strong counter-terror image.

Sindoor Attack Symbolism

The emotional Sindoor attack reference in speeches underlined Modi’s connection with the sacrifices of Indian soldiers and their families. His words often emphasized that every soldier’s loss is a national family’s grief.

Army Upgradation

Boost in defense budget and modernization programs.
Indigenous production under “Atmanirbhar Bharat in defense” – fighter jets, drones, warships, and artillery.
Rafale jets inducted, strengthening the Air Force.
Navy expansion with aircraft carriers like INS Vikrant.
Push for cyber and space defense capabilities.

Internal Security

Crackdown on terror networks and Naxal insurgency.
Expansion of intelligence coordination and digital surveillance tools.

Social and Symbolic Initiatives

Swachh Bharat Abhiyan

Nationwide cleanliness drive.
Millions of toilets built, rural India declared open-defecation free.

Statue of Unity

Inaugurated the world’s tallest statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Became a major tourism and national pride site.

Yoga Diplomacy

International Day of Yoga adopted by the UN.
Celebrated annually in over 170 countries.

Mann Ki Baat

Monthly radio program where Modi directly addresses citizens.
Topics range from governance to social awareness.

Technology, Digital India, and Innovation

UPI (Unified Payments Interface) revolutionized digital payments.
Expansion of internet access in villages.
India became a global IT hub and start-up capital.
Focus on AI, robotics, and 5G rollout for future competitiveness.

Environment and Renewable Energy

Solar capacity increased more than fourfold.
International Solar Alliance positioned India as a green leader.
Push for electric mobility and hydrogen energy.

Critics’ Perspective

Despite achievements, Modi’s tenure faced serious criticisms:

Employment gap despite GDP growth.
Farmer protests against farm laws.
Concerns over press freedom and dissent space.
Social tensions around CAA, NRC, and minority rights.

Modi at 75: Symbolism and National Reflection

For supporters, Modi represents decisive leadership, global stature, and grassroots connect.
For critics, he represents centralization, polarization, and uneven inclusivity.
At 75, he remains a polarizing yet powerful figure shaping India’s destiny.

Conclusion

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 11 years of governance reflect a mix of bold reforms, social transformation, defense modernization, and global diplomacy, combined with controversies and challenges.

His 75th birthday in 2025 is both a celebration of personal resilience and a reflection of India’s journey under his leadership. Whether through economic reforms, Sindoor attack tributes to soldiers, army modernization, or global partnerships, Modi’s leadership has left an undeniable mark on modern India.

As India marks Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday in 2025, it is also reflecting on his 11 years of governance. His journey from a tea seller to the Prime Minister of the world’s largest democracy is historic and inspirational.

His leadership has been marked by ambitious reforms, social welfare expansion, global diplomacy, and bold decision-making, while also facing serious challenges in employment, inclusivity, and democratic debate.

Love him or criticize him, Narendra Modi has left a lasting imprint on India’s history. His 75th birthday is not just a celebration of a leader but also a reminder of India’s journey under his stewardship and the path ahead for the nation.