7 Most Powerful Couples in Politics for 2025 (3 of 4)

Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan

No list of influential couples would be complete without mentioning China’s Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan. As president and first lady, they project a seamless balance between political might and cultural grace. Xi remains the central figure of China’s political apparatus, while Peng—a world-renowned soprano and major general in the People’s Liberation Army—continues to wield enormous cultural and symbolic influence. She frequently appears at state events and international forums, representing the aesthetic and humanitarian face of Chinese power. Their carefully cultivated public image reinforces the strength and unity that China seeks to display on the world stage, fusing nationalism with modernity.

Narendra and Jashodaben Modi

In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his wife, Jashodaben Modi, represent a different form of influence—one shaped as much by symbolism as by public engagement. Jashodaben, a retired school teacher, has lived largely outside of the public eye, yet her presence remains an essential part of Modi’s personal narrative. Their unconventional marriage continues to fuel both intrigue and myth, highlighting the cultural expectations that define Indian politics. For Modi, the personal and political intertwine: his reputation for austerity and spiritual discipline is in many ways reflected in the quiet dignity of Jashodaben’s existence. Together, they embody a balance of tradition and ambition that resonates deeply with India.