India’s prime minister is a rockstar.

Not only does Narendra Modi boast 11 million Twitter followers, but now he can brag about how much US president Barack Obama loves him.

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The grandfatherly-figure has just been named one of Time Magazine‘s 100 most influential people, and in a special editorial, Mr Obama praised him as being “India’s reformer-in-chief”.

The two men sharing tea in India. Photo: Getty

The two men first met in September last year but have become fast friends, with photos of the leaders laughing, hugging and sharing tea during their various catch-ups.

“As a boy, Narendra Modi helped his father sell tea to support their family,” America’s commander-in-chief begins.

“Today, he’s the leader of the world’s largest democracy, and his life story—from poverty to Prime Minister—reflects the dynamism and potential of India’s rise.”

Mr Obama praised the 64-year-old for his determination to help more Indians follow in his path.

Obama and Modi hug it out after joint talks. Photo: AAP

“He’s laid out an ambitious vision to reduce extreme poverty, improve education, empower women and girls and unleash India’s true economic potential while confronting climate change.

“Like India, he transcends the ancient and the modern—a devotee of yoga who connects with Indian citizens on Twitter and imagines a ‘digital India’.”

This year’s most influential people list had no shortage of movers and shakers, with Kim Kardashian, Kanye West and Pope Francis all making the list.

German leader Angela Merkel was praised in an editorial by Ukrainian leader Petro Poroshenko, while homemaker Martha Stewart called Kim Kardashian “The first lady of #fame”.