World leaders including Putin, Netanyahu send birthday wishes to PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received birthday greetings from several international leaders and diplomatic missions on Thursday as he turned 76.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni were among those who conveyed their wishes. The US Embassy in India also sent greetings on behalf of President Donald Trump.
The US Embassy shared an older photograph of Trump and Modi and wished the Indian prime minister health and happiness for the year ahead.
The Russian Embassy said Putin had sent a personal message congratulating Modi. According to the embassy, Putin highlighted Modi’s contribution to the India-Russia strategic relationship and thanked him for the welcome extended to the Russian delegation during its recent visit to New Delhi.
Putin and other international leaders had attended the 18th BRICS Summit in India on September 12 and 13.
In his message, Putin described his discussions with Modi as substantive and productive and said the two countries would continue working together on bilateral and international issues.
Modi was born in Vadnagar, Gujarat, on September 17, 1950.
Meloni also posted birthday greetings in Italian, describing Modi as a friend and expressing hope that India and Italy would continue strengthening their relationship.
Netanyahu’s official account carried a birthday message praising the India-Israel relationship and recalling the cooperation between the two countries.
Diplomatic representatives from Japan and Australia also sent greetings. Japanese Ambassador Ono Keiichi referred to the upcoming 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Japan, while Australian High Commissioner Philip Green recalled Modi’s recent visit to Australia and highlighted ties between the two countries.
Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman also posted birthday wishes for Modi, wishing him good health and continued service to the people of India.