In an unprecedented gesture that seals the arrival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a global statesman, US President Barack Obama on Thursday wrote a piece for the prestigious Time magazine calling him India's "reformer-in-chief".

The 166-word piece, written as part of the Time magazine's annual ritual of coming out with its list of 100 Most Influential People, says, "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."

"Determined to help more Indians follow in his path, 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," Obama says.

In the article, the US President also talks about Modi's historic trip to the US. Photo: Reuters In the article, the US President also talks about Modi's historic trip to the US. Photo: Reuters

Obama also talks about Modi's historic trip to the US in September last year. "When he came to Washington, Narendra and I visited the memorial to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We reflected on the teachings of King and Gandhi and how the diversity of backgrounds and faiths in our countries is a strength we have to protect," the American leader wrote.

Shortly after the article appeared on the Time magazine's website, Modi took to Twitter to express his gratitude at the rare gesture.

In January this year, Obama became the first US President to be the chief guest at the Republic Day parade in New Delhi, a visit that was marked by bonding and bonhomie between the two leaders. PM Modi is currently in neighbouring Canada, the last leg of his 11-day trip to three countries, France and Germany being the other two.

Apart from PM Modi, ICICI Chief Chanda Kochchar and Vikram Patel, co-founder of the NGO Sangath and the Centre for Global Mental Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, also feature in the Time list.