New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned 76 on Thursday, drawing birthday greetings from leaders and senior representatives from several countries. While the messages conveyed wishes for his health, happiness and continued success, many also underlined the importance of strengthening bilateral relations with India.
Among those who sent greetings were Russian President Vladimir Putin, US President Donald Trump, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit. Leaders and diplomatic representatives from Japan, Australia and other countries also extended their wishes.
Vladimir Putin: Praises India-Russia Strategic Partnership
Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Modi and highlighted his contribution to strengthening the “special and privileged strategic partnership” between India and Russia.
Putin said Modi enjoys considerable respect in India and has significant authority on the global stage. He also referred to his recent visit to New Delhi for the BRICS Summit, thanking Modi for the warm reception extended to him and the Russian delegation.
The Russian leader said discussions between the two leaders had been substantive and productive and stressed that Moscow would continue constructive cooperation with New Delhi on bilateral and international issues.
Donald Trump: Wishes Health and Happiness
US President Donald Trump conveyed his birthday greetings through the US Embassy in India.
The embassy said it was conveying Trump’s wishes to Modi and wished the Indian Prime Minister good health and happiness in the coming year.
The message comes as India-US relations continue to encompass trade, defence, technology and strategic cooperation, despite differences on several issues.
Giorgia Meloni: India-Italy Friendship to Grow Further
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni addressed Modi as a friend and wished him health, energy and success.
She highlighted the continuing strengthening of the friendship between Italy and India and expressed a desire for both countries to work together towards greater cooperation and prosperity.
The greeting comes after the two countries elevated their bilateral relationship to a Special Strategic Partnership earlier in 2026, according to reports.
Buon compleanno al mio amico @narendramodi, a cui auguro salute, energia e successo.
Italia e India continuano a rafforzare il loro profondo legame di amicizia, costruendo insieme un futuro di cooperazione e prosperità per le nostre Nazioni.— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) September 17, 2026
Benjamin Netanyahu: India-Israel Partnership at New Heights
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent a particularly strong message, crediting Modi’s leadership with India’s growing global stature.
Netanyahu described India and Israel as having built an “unprecedented partnership” between two democracies and said the friendship between the two countries had never been stronger. He also expressed hope that the relationship would reach even greater heights.
His message focused squarely on the continuing strategic and diplomatic partnership between India and Israel.
Roosevelt Skerrit: Wishes Strength for Service to India
Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit extended greetings on behalf of his country’s government and people.
He wished Modi good health and continued strength in his service to the people of India. His message reflected the close relationship between India and Dominica and the wider India-CARICOM engagement.
Sri Lanka: Friendship and People-to-People Ties
Sri Lankan Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa also extended birthday greetings to Modi.
He highlighted Modi’s warmth towards Sri Lanka and efforts to bring the two countries and their people closer. Premadasa expressed the hope that the friendship between India and Sri Lanka would continue to deepen in the years ahead.
Japan: Focus on India-Japan Partnership
Japan’s Ambassador to India Ono Keiichi extended birthday wishes to Modi while highlighting India’s development vision and the India-Japan partnership.
He referred to the upcoming 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Japan and expressed hope that the partnership would reach new heights.
Australia: Highlights Strong People-to-People Bonds
Australia’s High Commissioner to India Philip Green also wished Modi on his birthday.
His message referred to Modi’s recent visit to Australia and described the warmth and strength of the Australia-India relationship, along with the close bonds between the two countries’ peoples.
WHO Chief Tedros: Health and Global Cooperation
World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also greeted Modi, referring to India’s hosting of the BRICS Leaders’ Summit and its focus on health.
Tedros specifically acknowledged India’s emphasis on “Health for All” and global health security, linking his birthday message to international health cooperation.
Happy birthday, Prime Minister @narendramodi. I wish you many happy returns.
Thank you for hosting a successful #BRICS Leaders Summit, for putting health high on the agenda, and for securing strong commitments by BRICS Leaders to #HealthForAll and global health security. pic.twitter.com/uSilD8c3n0
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) September 17, 2026
Birthday Greetings Carry Diplomatic Message
The messages from foreign leaders went beyond personal birthday greetings. Several leaders used the occasion to highlight India’s bilateral partnerships, strategic cooperation and people-to-people relations.
Putin stressed the India-Russia strategic partnership, Meloni highlighted India-Italy friendship and cooperation, Netanyahu focused on India-Israel ties, while the US message emphasised goodwill towards Modi. Japan and Australia similarly pointed to the continuing development of their partnerships with India.
The broad range of greetings—from major powers and strategic partners to smaller countries and international organisations—also underlined the extensive diplomatic engagement surrounding India on the occasion of Modi’s 76th birthday.
