Several world leaders wished Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 70th birthday on Thursday.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel wrote a letter to Modi, addressing him as “Narendra”, according to the Prime Minister’s Office. “For your political work, I wish you continued success,” Merkel wrote. “On a personal note, I wish you all the very best in the future – particularly, in these unusual times, health, happiness and fulfillment,” she said. “Together over the past few years we have succeeded in consolidating even further the traditionally good relations between Indian and Germany.”
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson took to Twitter to wish Modi. “Very best wishes to my friend Narendra Modi on his 70th birthday,” he said. “I hope to see you soon.”
Finnish Prime Minister Marin Sanna also extended birthday greetings to Modi. She said there is an opportunity to deepen India-Finland ties.
“We have the opportunity now to turn the good spirits and broad array of deliverables from it into action,” Sanna said. “To this end, Finland supports concrete cooperation between India and the European Union in many sectors, such as sustainable development, including the circular economy, free trade and human rights.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin said he values the friendly relations he has developed with Modi. “I look forward to continuing constructive dialogue with you and work closely together on topical issues of the bilateral and international agenda,” he was quoted as saying by the Russian embassy. “From the bottom of my heart, I wish you good health, happiness, well-being and every success.”
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wished Modi in Hindi and shared a picture with him. “My dear friend Narendra Modi, I wish you a very happy birthday,” he tweeted. “I am confident that the ties between India and Australia will reach new heights in the coming years. We will meet soon.”
Nepal Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli said New Delhi and Kathmandu will continue working closely together to further strengthen relations. “Warm greetings to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji on the auspicious occasion of your birthday,” he tweeted. “I wish you good health and happiness. We will continue working closely together to further strengthen relations between our two countries.”
The Dalai Lama’s Twitter handle said that he had wished Modi on the prime minister’s birthday. “Today, on the occasion of his 70th birthday, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has written to PM Narendra Modi wishing him many happy returns of the day, praying for his continued good health and praising the age-old Indian practices of ahimsa and karuna [non-violence and compassion],” the tweet read.
Bhutan Prime Minister Lotay Tshering also sent wishes to Modi. “The people and government of Bhutan convey prayers for your success and well being on Your Excellency’s 70th birth anniversary,” he tweeted. “Under your leadership, we are confident that India will continue to achieve even greater transformation.”
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!