Prime Minister Narendra Modi has again claimed the title of the world’s most popular democratic leader, according to the newest Global Leader Approval Ratings report by US-based Morning Consult. With a robust 75% approval score, Modi leads the international rankings, leaving behind global counterparts from South Korea, Argentina, Canada, and Australia.
Survey Reveals Surprising Shifts in Public Sentiment
Morning Consult’s data was collected between July 4 and July 10, 2025, drawing from thousands of adult participants across several democratic countries. It’s part of an ongoing effort to track public confidence in global leaders, updated weekly using a rolling average. And this time, the rankings raise more than a few eyebrows.
The biggest takeaway? Donald Trump, President of the United States, did not make the top five. In fact, he ranked eighth, with only 44% of respondents expressing approval.
A Closer Look at the Ratings
The full list of top democratic leaders based on approval ratings includes:
| Rank | Leader | Country | Approval | No Opinion | Disapproval |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Narendra Modi | India | 75% | 7% | 18% |
| 2 | Lee Jae-myung | South Korea | 59% | 13% | 29% |
| 3 | Javier Milei | Argentina | 57% | 6% | 37% |
| 4 | Mark Carney | Canada | 56% | 13% | 31% |
| 5 | Anthony Albanese | Australia | 54% | 11% | 35% |
| 6 | Claudia Sheinbaum | Mexico | 53% | 7% | 40% |
| 7 | Karin Keller-Sutter | Switzerland | 48% | 24% | 28% |
| 8 | Donald Trump | United States | 44% | 6% | 50% |
| 9 | Donald Tusk | Poland | 41% | 10% | 49% |
| 10 | Giorgia Meloni | Italy | 40% | 6% | 54% |
Public Confidence in Modi Shows No Signs of Erosion
Modi’s 75% approval rating reflects steady public support. After securing his third term in May 2024, he seems to have retained — if not strengthened — belief in his governance. The data underscores that three out of every four citizens surveyed hold a positive view of his leadership. Only 18% disapprove, and a minor 7% remained undecided.
“Three out of every four people surveyed had a positive view of Modi as a democratic leader,” Morning Consult reported in its analysis. “While a smaller section — 18% — didn’t feel the same way, about 7% were unsure or didn’t have a clear opinion.”
This isn’t completely unexpected, but it’s still telling. Given Modi’s history of building strong voter bases and his keen ability to connect with various strata of Indian society, the numbers speak volumes. He remains a consistent name at the top of these charts, year after year.
Lee Jae-myung’s Rise to the Second Spot
South Korea’s President Lee Jae-myung may be relatively new in office, but his popularity is already surging. With a 59% approval rating, he lands solidly in second place. That’s not something you see often — a new leader gaining ground in just a month after stepping into power.
Roughly 29% disapprove of his performance, while 13% are still sitting on the fence. Whether this strong start is sustainable, we’ll have to wait and see. But it’s impressive nonetheless.
Donald Trump Falls to Eighth Position
For someone who recently won a second term in the White House, Donald Trump’s lower ranking is sure to trigger discussion. Just 44% of surveyed individuals approved of him. The disapproval rate? A heavy 50%.
Some experts suggest that domestic policy decisions, trade moves, and international stance might have chipped away at Trump’s approval. And in a polarized nation like the US, these numbers could shift fast — either way.
It’s unclear where this leads for Trump politically. He’s still popular with key Republican bases, but on the global approval front, he’s dropped several spots compared to leaders from smaller countries.
Community Response and Social Buzz
The numbers soon sparked widespread discussion online. Supporters of Modi hailed the report as proof of his steady leadership. On social media platforms, posts buzzed with comparisons and questions. Why did Trump fare poorly? Can Lee Jae-myung maintain his rapid ascent?
Political analysts offered some tentative thoughts:
- Modi’s clear messaging and consistent outreach earn him continued trust.
- Trump’s policy decisions post-re-election may not be sitting well with international observers.
- Emerging leaders like Claudia Sheinbaum and Javier Milei show that early popularity can bloom fast — or vanish just as quickly.
The reactions, while varied, share a common thread: These approval ratings matter — not just as numbers but as barometers of public trust. Even if they fluctuate week to week, they offer an accessible snapshot of political fortune.
What’s Next?
The next few months will be key. Modi will face rising expectations in his third term, both domestically and from the global community. Lee Jae-myung will either cement his place in South Korean politics or struggle against early pressures. And Trump? Well, the direction he takes on international and economic affairs could decide if he climbs back up — or continues to slide down.
The nature of these rankings is a little unpredictable. A sharp turn in foreign relations, a major domestic mishap, or even a powerful speech can shift the numbers dramatically. Like stepping on a scale every morning — it tells you something, but not everything.
For now, Narendra Modi stands tall at the summit. Whether he’ll stay there as the international mood shifts… only time will tell.
