He was once denied a visa to travel to the United States but today, it was a different report that linked Gujarat's Narendra Modi to America.
Identifying Gujarat as perhaps the best example of effective governance and impressive development in India, a Congressional report showered praise on Modi, saying the state under him has become a key driver of national economic growth.
It added that Gujarat's example is followed by that of Bihar and its Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, whose governance and administrative skills were also lauded in the report from the Congressional Research Service (CRS) on India.
Once denied a visa
The development has thrilled the Bharatiya Janata Party, obviously.
Party leader Rajiv Pratap Rudy said the report was a reply to those who were speaking against Modi.
"In 2005, the US government denied giving visa to Narendra Modi, and now this has been published from there. It is something which should be read by all who are trying to create an atmosphere against him," Rudy said.
The party also called it as another proof of the good work the party was doing in states under its rule and with allies.
Spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman said that the report did not come as a surprise to the party.
"It is no surprise," said Sitharaman. "We have seen how both Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar (Bihar chief minister) have brought development to their states. You can see these two states rapidly reaching out to the people with their development agenda."
Modi, in his reply, said it was a recognition for Gujaratis.
"Another recognition for six crore Gujaratis. US report hails Guj's effective governance. Jay Jay Garvi (Gujarat)," Modi tweeted.
The report
An independent and bipartisan wing of the Congress, CRS prepares periodic reports on issues of interest to lawmakers.
The 94-page report was released by the CRS for US lawmakers on September 1, a copy of which made public by the Federation of American Scientists.
"Seeking to overcome the taint of his alleged complicity in 2002 riots, Modi has overseen heavy investment in modern roads and power infrastructure, and annual growth of more than 11 per cent in recent years," the CRS said.
"Gujarat, the CRS said, has attracted major international investors such as General Motors and Mitsubishi and with only five per cent of the country's population, the state now accounts for more than one-fifth of India's exports," the report added.