Meloni, Netanyahu among world leaders to wish PM Modi on 76th birthday

President Droupadi Murmu, Union ministers, chief ministers and foreign diplomatic missions shared messages for PM Modi as he celebrated his 76th birthday

Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned 76 on Thursday, September 17, with leaders and diplomatic missions from several countries extending birthday greetings and highlighting their respective ties with India. Among those wishing Modi were Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Meloni described Modi as her “friend” in a post on X, wishing him “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,” she wrote.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also posted on X, saying that "PM Modi's leadership has transformed India into a world power. Together, we have built an unprecedented partnership between our two great democracies.

The friendship between Israel and India has never been stronger, and together we will take it to even greater heights.

I wish you many more years of leadership, health and fulfillment."

US, Australia, Belgium and others extend wishes

The US mission in India shared a birthday message for Modi, highlighting the ties between Washington and New Delhi and cooperation across several areas.

Australia's High Commission in India also posted its greetings, pointing to the strong relationship between the two countries and their close people-to-people links.

The Belgian mission in India joined the messages, highlighting cooperation between India and Belgium in areas such as trade, technology and cultural exchanges.

Russian President Vladimir Putin also wished PM Modi, praising his role in strengthening India-Russia ties.

PM Modi's birthday is also being marked with a month-long 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' across India. The campaign, which begins on September 17, includes public-service activities and programmes focused on areas such as healthcare and cleanliness.

"The BJP observes Prime Minister Modi's birthday as 'Seva Diwas' (Day of Service). In this spirit, a month-long 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' will be organised this year from September 17 to October 17. It is the BJP's responsibility to take the message of public service to as many people in society as possible. Through this campaign, Prime Minister Modi's work spanning 25 years of public life -- encompassing service, development, and nation-building -- will be highlighted to the public," said BJP National President Nitin Nabin.

The BJP has also organised several programmes to make the occasion memorable. In Gujarat, celebrations include the lighting of thousands of diyas, tree-planting initiatives and other public events. A 'Seva Sankalp Bike Yatra' from Vadnagar to Varanasi has also been announced.

President Droupadi Murmu, Union ministers, chief ministers and other political leaders have also extended their wishes to PM Modi.