Forbes magazine made a big list in 2015. It showed the most powerful people in the world. Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India was placed at number nine. This article explains what the list means, how Forbes chose the leaders, and why Modi’s rank matters for India.
Forbes List and Modi’s Rank
Forbes said Russian President Vladimir Putin was the most powerful person. German Chancellor Angela Merkel was second. US President Barack Obama was third. Pope Francis was fourth. Chinese President Xi Jinping was fifth.
In the same list, Microsoft founder Bill Gates was sixth, US Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen was seventh, UK Prime Minister David Cameron was eighth, and Google co‑founder Larry Page was tenth.
Modi was placed at the ninth spot. The magazine wrote that he helped India grow its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 7.4 % in his first year as Prime Minister. It also said his trips to meet Obama and Xi, and his tour of Silicon Valley, raised his profile as a global leader.
Forbes added that governing 1.2 billion people in India is a huge job. It said Modi must push his party’s change plan forward and keep a “fractious opposition” under control.
Later, Forbes also listed Modi in the top ten for 2016, showing that his influence stayed strong.
How Forbes Measures Power
Forbes used four simple measures to decide who is powerful:
- People controlled: How many people the leader can influence or direct.
- Financial resources: The amount of money or budget the leader can decide how to spend.
- Global reach: How many countries or regions feel the leader’s decisions.
- Effective use of power: How well the leader turns power into real results.
These four ideas help compare a president, a business founder, a religious leader, and a tech CEO on the same scale.
For example, a president can control a whole nation’s army and budget. A tech founder can control a huge company’s money and influence many users worldwide. Forbes puts them together to see who has the biggest overall impact.
Other Indian Names on the List
Modi was not the only Indian on the Forbes list. Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani was ranked 36th. Steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, who was born in India, was at 55th place. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, also of Indian origin, was at 61st.
These rankings show that Indian business leaders also have a lot of global power. They manage huge companies that affect many people around the world.
What This Means for India
Being ninth in the world’s most powerful list is a big honor for India. It tells the world that India’s leader can shape global events.
Modi’s 7.4 % GDP growth in his first year shows strong economic progress. A higher GDP means more jobs, better schools, and better hospitals for people.
His visits to the United States and China helped India build stronger ties with the two biggest economies. The Silicon Valley tour showed that India wants to be a big player in technology.
In 2025, a separate survey said Modi had the highest approval rating among global political leaders. This means many people around the world trust his leadership.
However, Forbes also warned that Modi must manage his party’s change plan and keep the opposition calm. If he does not, his power could be challenged.
For Indian citizens, the ranking can be a source of pride. It can also encourage the government to work harder on education, health, and infrastructure, because the world is watching.
FAQ
What does the Forbes list measure?
Forbes looks at how many people a leader can influence, how much money they control, how far their decisions reach, and how well they turn power into results.
Why was Modi placed at number nine?
Modi helped India grow its economy fast, met other world leaders, and visited tech hubs. Forbes said these actions gave him a lot of global influence.
Who are the other leaders in the top ten?
The top ten includes Putin, Merkel, Obama, Pope Francis, Xi Jinping, Bill Gates, Janet Yellen, David Cameron, Modi, and Larry Page.
How does this ranking affect India’s image?
It shows that India’s leader is important on the world stage. It can attract more investment and partnerships for the country.
Conclusion
Forbes named Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the world’s ninth most powerful person in 2015. The list also placed leaders like Putin, Merkel, and Obama above him. Forbes used four clear measures to decide the ranking. Modi’s high rank highlights India’s growing economic strength and global influence. It also reminds him to manage his party’s plans and keep the opposition calm. The ranking gives India a chance to shine and encourages the country to keep moving forward.