Putin, Trump, Meloni and others hail Modi’s leadership and bilateral ties
New Delhi: World leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, on Thursday greeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 76th birthday, praising his leadership and highlighting India's growing bilateral partnerships.
Among those who extended greetings were Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, European Council President António Costa, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Guyana President Irfaan Ali, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam.
In his message, Putin praised Modi's contribution to India-Russia ties and recalled his visit to New Delhi last week.
“You are rightly enjoying deep respect from your compatriots and great authority on the global stage. It is impossible to overstate your personal contribution to strengthening the special and privileged strategic partnership between India and Russia,” Putin said.
He thanked Modi for the “warm and cordial welcome and hospitality” extended to him and the Russian delegation during the visit and described their talks as “substantive, frank and productive”.
“Our discussions once again demonstrated your extraordinary political wisdom and foresight,” Putin said, adding that the two countries would continue their cooperation on bilateral and international issues.
The US Embassy said, “On behalf of President Donald Trump, we wish Prime Minister @narendramodi a very Happy Birthday. Wishing you all the health and happiness in the coming year!”
Meloni wished Modi “health, energy and success” and said Italy and India were continuing to strengthen their friendship and cooperation. Modi thanked her and said he looked forward to further strengthening India-Italy ties.
Netanyahu said Modi's leadership had “transformed India into a world power” and described the India-Israel partnership as unprecedented. “The friendship between Israel and India has never been stronger, and together we will take it to even greater heights,” he said.
Thanking Netanyahu, Modi said he deeply cherished their friendship and the enduring ties between the two countries.
Responding to UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Modi said he deeply valued their close friendship and the “mutually beneficial India-UAE partnership”, which continued to reach new heights.
Modi thanked European Council President António Costa and said he reciprocated his commitment to further strengthening the India-EU Strategic Partnership.
Responding to Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Modi said their recent visits had added fresh momentum to the Enhanced Strategic Partnership between the two countries.
He thanked South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and said India and South Africa were steadfast partners with a shared commitment to work for the Global South.
Responding to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Modi said he looked forward to further strengthening the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and people-to-people ties.
Modi also thanked Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay for his wishes and said he looked forward to working with him to further strengthen the special India-Bhutan partnership.
