Modi takes Trump’s call after months; receives greetings from world leaders on his 75th birthday

Published on Authored by C to I News Desk

In their first phone conversation in months, US President Donald Trump called Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, September 16, to extend birthday greetings.

Modi Trump
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump pose for a picture. Photo courtesy: Narendra Modi/X

Modi, who turned 75 on Wednesday, September 17, in a post on X, called Trump his “friend” and thanked him for the wishes. “Thank you, my friend, President Trump, for your phone call and warm greetings on my 75th birthday. Like you, I am also fully committed to taking the India-US Comprehensive and Global Partnership to new heights. We support your initiatives towards a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict,” he wrote.

The phone call came as US Assistant Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch held talks in Delhi with India’s chief trade negotiator Rajesh Agrawal; both sides described the discussions as “positive and forward looking,” and said they would intensify efforts to conclude a mutually beneficial trade agreement.

Russian President Vladimir Putin also phoned Prime Minister Modi and sent a message. “I just had a conversation with the Prime Minister of India, Mr Modi. I congratulated our friend, the Prime Minister of India, on his 75th birthday, on behalf of all of you,” Putin told his cabinet in a video conference.

The Kremlin added that the Russian side “expressed satisfaction with the current successful development of the special privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India, to which Narendra Modi is making a significant personal contribution.” In a separate message, Putin said, “Through your activities as head of government, you have earned the high respect of your compatriots and enormous authority on the world stage.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted a video message on X calling Modi a “good friend”. “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,” he said. “I look forward to seeing you soon because we can bring our partnership and our friendship to even greater heights. Happy birthday, my friend.”

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni sent her wishes on X, posting a picture of the two leaders and saying: “His strength, his determination, and his ability to lead millions of people are a source of inspiration. With friendship and esteem, I wish him health and energy to continue leading India toward a bright future and to further strengthen the relations between our nations.”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also extended greetings, noting the launch of the new EU-India strategy: “On the day we launched our new EU-India strategy, I had the pleasure of wishing @narendramodi a very happy birthday. I look forward to visiting India again for our next Summit. Together we’ll open a new chapter in our partnership. We also discussed progress in our ongoing trade talks and how we can work together to effectively support Ukraine’s fight for freedom,” she said.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed posted on X in three languages: “Sincere congratulations to @NarendraModi on your birthday. I wish you continued good health and happiness, and ongoing success in advancing India’s progress and the prosperity of its people.”

Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called Modi “a good friend” in a video message and said: “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.” He added: “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.”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his country was “proud to share such a strong friendship with India, and we are grateful every day for the contribution of the Indian community here in Australia.”

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake praised Modi’s role in strengthening ties with Sri Lanka and wished him “continued health, strength, and success in his service to the people of India and in shaping a shared future of peace and prosperity in the region.”

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates wished the prime minister “good health and continued strength,” saying India leads “fantastic progress” and contributes to global development.

Other leaders who sent greetings included Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing, Guyana President Irfaan Ali, Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides, Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, former UK Home Secretary Priti Patel, and Maldives former foreign minister Abdulla Shahid.

(With inputs from PTI.)