Modi Becomes First World Leader to Hit 100 Million Instagram Followers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi crossed the 100 million follower mark on Instagram on Thursday, becoming the first world leader in history to achieve the milestone on the platform — a feat that cements his status as the most-followed political figure in the world on social media.

Modi joined Instagram in 2014, and over the past decade his account has grown into an unrivalled political presence on the platform. His 100 million follower count is more than double that of US President Donald Trump, who currently commands approximately 43.2 million followers — the closest rival among world leaders. The gap widens sharply further down the list, with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at around 15 million, Brazilian President Lula da Silva at 14.4 million, Turkish President Erdoğan at roughly 11.6 million, and Argentine President Javier Milei at about 6.4 million.

Within India, the dominance is equally pronounced. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is the second most-followed Indian political leader on Instagram with around 16.1 million followers, followed by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at approximately 12.6 million — both a fraction of the Prime Minister's tally.

The Instagram landmark coincides with a landmark diplomatic moment. Currently on a two-day official visit to Israel — the first by an Indian Prime Minister — Modi on Wednesday became the first Indian head of government to address the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset. Following his address, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana conferred upon him the prestigious Medal of the Knesset, the highest parliamentary honour the Israeli legislature bestows.

Expressing his gratitude on X, Modi said: "I am deeply honoured to receive the Medal of the Knesset. I accept it with humility and gratitude. This honour is not a tribute to an individual, but to the enduring friendship between India and Israel."