Narendra Modi, the prime minister of India who vowed to make his country "rise again," emerged from a landslide victory during the world's biggest election four months ago.

Modi's victory was a clear mandate from the Indian people who now looks to him to better their lives.

In his first interview since becoming India's prime minister, CNN's New Delhi bureau chief, Ravi Agrawal, tells the world what it is like up-close and personal with India's enigmatic leader.

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Modi has so far managed to give the impression of being a serious, intimidating political figure. Up close, Agrawal said, Modi has quite a few lighter sides and a natural sense of humor that speaks volumes of his charismatic character.

Modi and Bharatiya Janata Party won a decisive victory in India's general elections in which the then ruling party, Indian National Congress, suffered its worst defeat.

Following his victory in India's parliament, Modi was unanimously elected as the party's leader and was subsequently appointed by India's president, Pranab Mukherjee, as prime minister. Modi is the first Indian prime minister who was born after the country gained its independence.

Before rising to international prominence, Modi first served as the chief minister of the western Indian state of Gujarat for thirteen years. He has been praised for the myriad of economic policies that have provided the blueprint for Gujarat's economic development in recent years.

During Chinese President Xi Jinping's maiden visit in India, Modi hosted the president and his first lady, Peng Liyuan, in his home state.

The leaders of Asia's rival giants signed bilateral agreements that secured US$3.4 billion for the building of an industrial park in the region, before they headed to India's capital for further diplomatic talks.

On the issue of foreign policy, critics had worried over Modi's lack of experience in international diplomacy. It has become apparent through the interview with CNN that Modi puts much stock in history for building his foreign policy.

He insisted that India now lives in an era of partnership. Unlike in the 18^th century, he said, countries sought to expand. Today, countries build up economies, implying an answer to China's growing assertiveness in the region.

Modi begins work at 5 a.m.-a routine he acquired as a child-and stays up working or reading as late as two in the morning.

Asked what he does to unwind, the prime minister likened himself to a scientist immersed in his laboratory work. He draws pleasure from governance, he said. It is all the pleasure he needed in life.

TagsIndian Prime Minister