The controversial rise of Narendra Modi: from tea seller to India's international leader

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has managed to establish himself as a renowned international leader, despite his controversial record and the criticism he has received for his nationalist, Hindu-influenced policies. Born in 1950 into a humble family in Gujarat, Modi has climbed the political ranks of India with determination and cunning, bolstering his image as a tough man and defender of the country's majority faith. From a young age, Modi became involved with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist group, and his dedication to promoting Hindu supremacy in secular India has led him to hold the position of prime minister on three occasions. Despite accusations of being linked to sectarian riots that left thousands dead, Modi has managed to capitalize on his popularity among a sector of the population that identifies with his nationalist rhetoric. Modi's political rise has been marked by controversies, such as his arranged marriage that ended in divorce to not hinder his career in the RSS, which requires celibacy from its leaders. However, these controversies have not diminished his base of followers, who see him as a leader capable of defending the interests of Hindus in a country where religious tensions have long been present. Despite criticism and concerns about the persecution of political opponents and independent media, Modi has succeeded in projecting an image of India as a rising global power. His meetings with Western leaders, such as President Joe Biden, have solidified his position on the international stage and have allowed India to strengthen strategic alliances in a complex geopolitical context. However, Modi's legacy has also been questioned by sectors denouncing the growing hostility towards religious minorities in India, particularly the Muslim community. Lynchings of Muslims over the killing of cows, considered sacred in Hindu tradition, have generated concern both within the country and internationally. Modi's controversial project to transform India into a "vishwaguru" - a teacher for the world - has had significant milestones, such as the inauguration of a Hindu temple in Ayodhya, built on land where a Muslim mosque was destroyed in 1992 by Hindu extremists. These gestures have been interpreted as an affirmation of Hindu nationalism and have fueled religious tensions in the country. Despite the criticism and controversies surrounding his tenure, Narendra Modi remains an influential leader in Indian politics and a relevant player on the international stage. His rise from tea seller to prime minister is a testament to the power of political narrative and the impact nationalist policies can have in a diverse and complex country like India.