 "Prime Minister Narendra Modi. PTI/File Photo")
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is celebrating his 75th birthday on Wednesday (Sept 17), with warm wishes from leaders across India and abroad.
US President Donald Trump extends greetings
Among the first to reach out was US President Donald Trump, who called Modi on the eve of his birthday. In the conversation, Trump praised Modi for doing “a tremendous job” and thanked him for supporting efforts related to the Russia-Ukraine war. Modi responded with gratitude, calling Trump “my friend” and reaffirming his commitment to strengthening India-US ties.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese sends wishes
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also extended birthday greetings, calling Modi a “friend” and highlighting the strong ties between India and Australia. In a video message shared on X, Albanese 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.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praises Modi
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wished his “good friend” Modi a happy birthday.
In a special video message, he said, “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.”
Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov sends greetings
Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov also sent greetings, thanking Modi for strengthening decades-old ties between Russia and India. On X, he wrote in Hindi, “Heartfelt birthday greetings and best wishes to the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri @narendramodiji! We are grateful for his invaluable contribution in taking the decades-old friendship between Russia and India to new heights. May he continue to succeed in every endeavour for the welfare of the country and the world.”
Rishi Sunak calls Modi a “good friend” to Britain
Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak praised Modi as a “good friend” to both himself and Britain, highlighting growing UK-India ties.
Sunak said, “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. 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.”
Greetings from Indian leaders
Indian leaders also joined in the celebrations. President Droupadi Murmu praised Modi for inspiring ambitious goal-setting and said the world watches India with confidence under his leadership. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, chief ministers, and party members reflected on Modi’s decades of public service, his rise from humble beginnings, and focus on welfare and development. His Holiness the Dalai Lama also sent wishes for continued good health.
Acts of service mark celebrations
The birthday celebrations were marked by acts of service as well. The BJP launched a “Sewa Pakhwada” campaign featuring blood donation drives, health camps, cleanliness initiatives, and other outreach programmes. Across India, special ceremonies included Ganga Aarti, rangoli displays in schools, and prayers in gurudwaras.
Government campaigns and initiatives
Domestically, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge extended their greetings. The Central government launched the ‘Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan’ along with the 8th ‘Rashtriya Poshan Maah’ (Nutrition Month). AIIMS Delhi organised medical check-up camps at four centres, and PM Modi visited Madhya Pradesh to kick off the campaigns.