Both elections caught pollsters and pundits by surprise. They had predicted hung Parliaments in both the countries with no party enjoying an absolute majority. The electorate proved them wrong on both occasions. We can safely say that both victories are the result of the charismatic leadership of Mr Modi in India and Mr Cameron in the UK. It just goes to prove leadership can not only capture the imagination of the public but also galvanise voters to vote, especially those who are reluctant voters.

From day one Mr Modi’s victory brought a new sense of optimism and pride amongst Indians. Their confidence touched new heights not seen in decades. Their morale and confidence was felt across the world especially amongst the huge Indian diaspora scattered in over 150 countries of the world. Modi mania has created confidence, respectability and pride in Indians about their culture, civilization and capability. Indians all over the world feel that they are now second to none. Mr Modi is reaching out to the NRIs to develop the Indian economy as never before. This is a sign of a great pragmatic leader who understands that India’s strength lies in every Indian, everywhere in the world.

In the first year the Modi Govt. has demonstrated that it is an outward looking government wishing to play an important role on the global stage. Soon after taking office, Mr Modi visited numerous countries from tiny ones in the Indian ocean to giants like Canada, USA, Germany, China, Japan and so on to connect with the people and governments of those countries as well as to infuse pride in the Indian population settled there in numbers. The effect has proved electric.

The world is looking to India as a partner capable of playing an important role in global politics to bring economic stability and also growth. Mr Modi has already signed an agreement with China worth $22 billion. South Korea has pledged $10 billion for infrastructure projects in India. Japan will invest $35 billion over the period of five years.