Modi Reaches Historic 100 Million Milestone on Instagram, Outpacing Global Leaders
Prime Minister Narendra Modi achieved a landmark in online influence on February 26, 2026, crossing the 100 million follower threshold on Instagram—the first serving head of government or politician worldwide to do so.
He launched his official Instagram account in 2014, shortly after assuming office. In the years since, it has developed into one of the platform’s most prominent and interactive political presences. Posts regularly showcase official events, overseas visits, government schemes, festivals, cultural highlights, and occasional personal notes, enabling direct engagement with millions across India and beyond.
This breakthrough positions Modi firmly at the forefront among world leaders on Instagram, with his following more than double that of the runner-up. US President Donald Trump holds second place with approximately 43.2 million followers.
Several other prominent figures lag well behind. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has about 15 million followers, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva around 14.4 million, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan roughly 11.6 million, and Argentine President Javier Milei approximately 6.4 million. The combined total for these next five leaders falls short of Modi’s individual figure.
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Within India, the contrast is similarly striking. Modi leads all domestic political accounts by a wide margin. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ranks second with roughly 16.1 million followers, followed by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at around 12.6 million.
The achievement reflects Modi’s particular appeal to younger voters in India and the diaspora, amid a larger evolution in how politicians use visually driven, interactive platforms for unfiltered communication. Instagram has grown into a crucial channel for heads of state to connect directly with the public, sidestepping traditional media filters. For Modi, it remains a cornerstone of his strategy for sharing governance updates, fostering dialogue, and extending outreach in today’s digital era.