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JANUARY 02, 2026 | The Indian Eye 5

Cross, along with top honors from Sri ond longest-serving Prime Minister of
Lanka, Mauritius, and Oman. These India, surpassing Indira Gandhi’s re-
recognitions reflected not just person- cord of 4,077 consecutive days in office.
al stature, but India’s enhanced diplo- Longevity, in his case, was not merely
matic weight. a statistic; it reflected electoral dom-
Trade diplomacy reinforced that inance, narrative control, and the ab-
standing. Landmark agreements sence of a credible national challenger.
such as the India–UK Comprehen- In his year-end Mann Ki Baat
sive Economic and Trade Agreement address, Modi described 2025 as a
and the India–Oman Comprehensive year that gave India “even greater
Economic Partnership Agreement self-confidence.” He spoke of securi-
expanded India’s role as a global ty, science, sport, culture, and collec-
trade hub at a time of fractured sup- tive pride, while also acknowledging
ply chains and geopolitical uncertain- natural disasters and loss. The tone
ty. Modi’s message was consistent: In- was reflective yet forward-looking —
dia would engage the world on its own a leader consolidating achievement
terms, guided by national interest and while preparing the ground for the
strategic autonomy. next phase.
Culture and sport added a pow- Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives a warm welcome from the Indian diaspora, perform- By any measure, Narendra Modi
erful emotional dimension to the ing a special cultural dance based on the theme of Operation Sindoor on his arrival in Rio de was the most important person of
year. 2025 became a golden chapter Janeiro for the BRICS summit in July 2025 (DPR PMO/ANI Photo) 2025 in India. His leadership touched
for Indian sport. The men’s cricket every major axis of national life —
team won the ICC Champions Tro- economy, military power, diplomacy,
phy, the women’s team lifted their achievements as evidence of a confi- year’s end, the final completion and technology, and culture. More than
first-ever World Cup, and India also dent, aspirational India. flag-hoisting ceremony at the Ram individual policies or events, it was
claimed the Women’s Blind T20 Faith and heritage occupied a Mandir in Ayodhya became a mo- the cumulative effect that defined the
World Cup. Para-athletes delivered central place as well. The global or- ment of deep symbolic resonance, year: an India more assertive, more
medal-winning performances across ganization of the Prayagraj Maha closing a long chapter in India’s polit- visible, and more self-assured than
world championships, reinforcing Kumbh at the start of the year drew ical and cultural history. before. As the country prepared to
narratives of resilience and inclusion. worldwide attention, blending scale, On July 25, 2025, Modi crossed step into 2026, it did so with Modi
Modi repeatedly highlighted these spirituality, and state capacity. At another milestone, becoming the sec- firmly at the center of its story.

Why PM Modi is our ‘Person of the Year’

edition is our attempt to capture that spirit, moving tiple drafts, and a clear guiding principle: recog-
beyond headlines to document substance, courage, nition must be earned through measurable in-
and contribution. fluence and integrity of action. Each profile was
Putting together this list was neither quick nor researched and written with care, focusing not on
casual. Our editorial board debated extensively, ex- personality alone but on performance, context,
amined data, revisited major events, and weighed and consequence. We wanted these stories to
public impact against long-term significance. The stand as records, not impressions.
process involved rigorous internal discussions, mul- At the centre of this edition stands Prime
Minister Narendra Modi, whom we have named
Person of the Year. This choice was neither ideo-
SUNIL HALI logical nor automatic. It was grounded in the
sheer scale of his influence on India’s trajectory in
t The Indian Eye, journalism has always 2025. From landmark economic and governance
been about more than recording events. It reforms to decisive leadership during Operation
Ais about recognising impact — identifying Sindoor, from advancing India’s global diplomat-
the individuals whose actions shape public life, ic stature to presiding over historic milestones in
influence national direction, and leave a lasting space, sport, and culture, Modi’s imprint on the
imprint on society. That belief is at the heart of year was comprehensive. Few leaders anywhere
our Persons of the Year edition. We created this matched the breadth and depth of his impact.
special issue to honour those who did not merely Equally important was the confidence India
occupy positions of authority in 2025, but truly projected under his leadership — a nation acting
made a difference. with clarity, purpose, and self-belief. Whether in
The year just gone by was one of intensity and national security, global negotiations, or cultural
consequence. India witnessed defining moments assertion, 2025 reinforced Modi’s role as the cen-
across governance, national security, diplomacy, tral figure in India’s public life.
science, culture, and sport. In such a year, we felt This Persons of the Year edition is our tribute
it was essential to pause, reflect, and acknowl- to leadership that mattered. It reflects The Indian
edge the people behind those moments — lead- A man in Gaya, Bihar, shows a poster of PM Modi Eye’s commitment to thoughtful journalism — to
ers, professionals, and pathbreakers whose work as a sign of gratitude (ANI) recognising those who shaped the year, and to tell-
altered outcomes and inspired confidence. This ing their stories with fairness, context, and respect.

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