Happy birthday to my friend: Giorgia Meloni wishes PM Modi, praises India-Italy ties
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Thursday wished Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 76th birthday, calling him her "friend" and saying India and Italy were continuing to strengthen their "deep bond of friendship". Meloni said the two countries were working together to build a future of cooperation and prosperity.
"Happy birthday to my friend @narendramodi, to whom I wish health, energy, and success. Italy and India continue to strengthen their deep bond of friendship, building together a future of cooperation and prosperity for our Nations," Meloni said in a post on X.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 prosperit per le nostre Nazioni.— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) September 17, 2026
PM Modi, who was born on September 17, 1950, in Gujarat's Vadnagar, turned 76 on Thursday. He received birthday greetings from several world leaders, political leaders and chief ministers as the BJP organised programmes across the country to mark the occasion.PUTIN PRAISES PM MODI'S AUTHORITY ON GLOBAL STAGE
Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Modi's standing globally and his contribution to strengthening India-Russia ties.
In a message published on the Kremlin website, Putin said Modi was "rightly enjoying a deep respect" among his compatriots and had "great authority on the global stage". He also said it was impossible to overstate Modi's personal contribution to strengthening the "special and privileged strategic partnership" between India and Russia.
Putin, who was recently in New Delhi for the 18th BRICS Summit, thanked Modi for the welcome extended to him and the Russian delegation during the visit.
Recalling his talks with Modi, Putin described them as substantive, frank and productive, and praised the Prime Minister's "political wisdom and foresight". He said Moscow would continue its cooperation with New Delhi on bilateral and international issues.PM MODI'S LEADERSHIP TRANSFORMED INDIA: NETANYAHU
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also extended birthday wishes to Modi, praising his leadership and the India-Israel relationship. "Happy birthday, Narendra!" Netanyahu said in a post on X, adding that Modi's leadership had "transformed India into a world power".
He said India and Israel had built an "unprecedented partnership" between the two democracies and that the friendship between the two countries had never been stronger.
Netanyahu wished Modi good health and fulfilment and said the two countries would work together to take their relationship to "even greater heights."
Prime Minister of Dominica Roosevelt Skerrit also wished Modi good health and continued strength in serving the people of India.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus congratulated Modi as well, thanking him for hosting the BRICS Leaders Summit and for placing health on the agenda. He also referred to commitments by BRICS leaders towards "Health For All" and global health security.
Sri Lankan Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa extended his "warmest birthday wishes" to Modi, highlighting his efforts to bring India and Sri Lanka and their peoples closer.
Former Maldives presidents Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Mohamed Nasheed also extended birthday greetings to the Prime Minister.BJP LAUNCHES MONTH-LONG ‘SEVA SANKALP ABHIYAN’
Across India, the BJP organised blood donation camps, prayers, lamp-lighting events and other public programmes to mark Modi's birthday and his 25 years in public service.
The party launched the month-long Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, running from September 17 to October 17, with programmes focused on public participation, social service and outreach.
PM Modi completes 25 years in public office on October 7. He first became Gujarat chief minister in 2001 and became Prime Minister in 2014. He is currently serving his third consecutive term as Prime Minister.- EndsWith inputs from agencyPublished By: Priyanka KumariPublished On: Sep 17, 2026 21:55 IST
