NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is celebrating his 75th birthday on Wednesday with an outpouring of wishes from across the globe, as presidents, prime ministers and spiritual leaders lauded his leadership and contributions to India’s rise on the world stage.
Trump dials his ‘friend’ PM Modi
US President Donald Trump led the chorus of greetings, revealing he had a “wonderful” phone call with PM Modi a day earlier. Calling PM Modi his “friend,” Trump wrote on Truth Social: “Just had a wonderful phone call with my friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I wished him a very Happy Birthday! He is doing a tremendous job. Narendra: Thank you for your support on ending the War between Russia and Ukraine! President DJT.“In his reply on X, PM Modi thanked Trump for the call and said India is “fully committed” to deepening the strategic partnership with the US.
‘Many more years of friendship and progress’: Australia
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, in a video message, hailed PM Modi as a “friend” and praised the Indian community’s role in Australia. “I look forward to many more years of friendship and progress,” he said.“Happy Birthday to my friend Prime Minister Modi. Australia is proud to share such a strong friendship with India and we’re grateful every day for the incredible contribution of the Indian community here in Australia. I look forward to catching up with you soon, Prime Minister, and many more years of friendship and progress,” Albanese said in his message.
‘Kia ora, namaskar, my good friend Prime Minister Modi’: New Zealand
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon lauded PM Modi’s “wisdom of leadership” and said he was eager to partner with India on security and prosperity. He recalled his visit to India earlier this year and invited PM Modi to visit New Zealand soon.In his message, he said, “Kia ora, namaskar, my good friend Prime Minister Modi. Congratulations on your 75th birthday from me and all of your friends across New Zealand. A milestone like this is a moment to reflect on the wisdom of your leadership as you seek to guide India towards becoming a developed country by 2047.”“I’m really excited about New Zealand partnering more with India to achieve that vision as we look to ensure both our great nations achieve the security and also the prosperity that we seek,” he said.Recalling his visit to India, Luxon said, “I hope I might be able to reciprocate the very warm hospitality you extended to me in March by hosting you here in New Zealand. But in the meantime, I wish you a very, very happy birthday.”
‘This relationship will always have a special place’: UK
Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described PM Modi as a “good friend” to both him and Britain, recalling India’s G20 presidency in 2023 as a “superb event befitting India’s standing on the world stage.” “It is a great pleasure to wish Prime Minister Modi a happy 75th birthday. In these uncertain times, we all need good friends, and Modi Ji has always been a good friend to me and to Britain,” he said. “I’m delighted to see UK-India ties going from strength to strength. I know we both enjoyed the recent England-India test series, a reminder of how many things our two countries share. As someone from a British-Indian family, this relationship will always have a special place in my heart. I’ll always remember fondly travelling to India as Prime Minister for the G20 in 2023 with Akshata. It was a superb event befitting India’s standing on the world stage. Modiji, I wish you all the very best for your birthday and look forward to seeing you soon,” Sunak added.
‘My good friend Narendra’: Israel
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also offered personal greetings. “Prime Minister Modi, my good friend Narendra, I want to wish you a happy birthday. You’ve accomplished so much for India in your life, and we have together accomplished a great deal in the friendship between India and Israel. I look forward to seeing you soon because we can bring our partnership and our friendship to even greater heights. Happy birthday, my friend,” he said.
Dalai Lama’s wish to PM Modi
Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama praised India’s “remarkable religious pluralism” and PM Modi’s role in strengthening the country’s global confidence. “India presents an example of harmony and stability to the world,” he wrote in his letter.“I have witnessed firsthand the far-reaching development and prosperity that have taken place over the years. I congratulate you on the growing confidence and strength that has occurred in recent times. India’s success also contributes to global development,” he said.“I consider myself a proud messenger of India, and regularly express my admiration for India, the world’s most populous and largest democracy, for its remarkable and deeply rooted religious pluralism. India presents an example of harmony and stability to the world,” he added.
‘I wish you good health and continued strength’: Bill Gates
Bill Gates, founder of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation & former CEO of Microsoft, joined in, wishing PM Modi “continued strength” and praising India’s partnership with the Gates Foundation in advancing health, development and innovation across the Global South.“Prime Minister Modi, my best wishes to you on your 75th birthday. I wish you good health and continued strength as you lead India’s fantastic progress and contribute to global development. The Gates Foundation values our partnership with the Government of India immensely. Together, we are supporting progress towards Viksit Bharat and sharing lessons and innovations for the countries in the Global South. Once again, my warmest wishes to you on this milestone occasion,” he said.
