Google News Preferred Source on Google News Indian Republic Logo

A Birthday That Belongs to Over a Billion: Modi’s Rise Mirrors India’s Global Moment

Edited by IndianRepublic.in - Location: New Delhi, Delhi, India

On his 75th birthday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was embraced -- with affection, respect, and admiration -- by world leaders across continents, ideologies, and timelines. What unfolded across social media and diplomatic corridors on September 17, 2025, was a collective recognition of a leader whose rise mirrors the coming of age of a global India.

A Birthday That Belongs to Over a Billion: Modi’s Rise Mirrors India’s Global Moment
The man of the moment: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi
“I am overwhelmed. Emotional,” Modi wrote in Hindi on X, as messages from presidents, prime ministers, royalty, and global thought leaders poured in. “You are all my family,” he said, calling the blessings “a source of strength—not just for me, but for a new, strong, and prosperous India.”

From London to Canberra, Jerusalem to Brussels, and Moscow to Abu Dhabi -- the tone was consistent: personal, affectionate, and deeply respectful. Powerful leaders spoke of shared history, transformative partnerships, and mutual growth.

Love, Legacy, and Leadership

Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, with warmth that felt deeply personal, called Modi “a good friend to me and to Britain.” Speaking of his 2023 G20 visit, he recalled the moment as “befitting India's standing on the world stage.” Sunak’s message was familial, shaped by his own British-Indian heritage.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called India a “strong friend,” while Bhutan’s PM Tshering Tobgay prayed for Modi’s health and longevity, acknowledging India’s role as a trusted partner in the Himalayas.

From Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu described Modi as “a good friend,” celebrating their joint work to “take our friendship to greater heights.” 

The phrase echoed again from the UAE’s Mohamed Bin Zayed, who wished the PM “ongoing success in advancing India’s progress.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin, ever stylish and strategic, framed Modi’s legacy in global terms. 

“You have earned enormous authority on the world stage,” he said, praising India’s rise in science, economics, and technology under Modi’s leadership. 

“You are making a great personal contribution to our strategic partnership,” he added. His message, in particular, was steeped in geopolitical weight.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, too, was measured yet warm. 

She emphasized the new EU–India Strategic Agenda as a signal of India’s relevance in shaping the future of multilateral cooperation.

Even tech titan Bill Gates chimed in, recognizing Modi’s leadership in “India’s fantastic progress” and global development. 

“Together we are supporting progress towards Viksit Bharat,” he said, referring to India’s vision for becoming a developed nation by 2047.

A Moment Larger Than the Man

Every message, every video, every post spoke of a personal connection. But together, they told a larger story--of how Narendra Modi has become a symbol of a global India. In the language of diplomacy, birthday greetings rarely carry such emotional charge. But, in Modi’s case, the tone was unmistakable: affection grounded in respect.

His acknowledgment was equally heartfelt. “The innumerable wishes and the faith you have reposed in me are a source of great strength,” Modi wrote. “I see them as a blessing… to build a better India.”

This was an evolution of tone from a leader who has grown from being a domestic disruptor to a global statesman. On his 75th birthday, the language Modi used was intimate, vulnerable, and sincere--almost poetic. 

“This affection has touched my heart deeply,” he said, apologizing for not being able to respond to each message personally.

Modi at 75: The Symbol of a Rising India

Modi’s rise has coincided with India’s re-emergence as a civilizational power on the world stage. His leadership has been marked by decisive politics at home and assertive diplomacy abroad. But September 17, 2025, marked a shift in how the world sees him--and, by extension, how it sees India.

No longer just a nation of potential, India under Modi is seen as a partner, a stabilizer, and a force of consequence. The warmth in the birthday wishes was for Modi as a symbol--of 1.4 billion aspirations.

This is what a coming-of-age moment looks like. When the world stops to send not just congratulations, but admiration. When words like “friendship,” “partnership,” “shared future,” and “respect” dominate global messages. When the personal becomes political, and the political becomes a shared celebration.

For Narendra Modi, 75 seems like a declaration. Of who he is. And of what India now represents to the world.

To follow the latest news breaks and developments around Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, click here.

If you believe in what we’re building -- a multinational, multilingual, multipolar newsroom -- support us by adding IndianRepublic.in as a preferred source on Google (scroll to the top) or sign up for our monthly newsletter on the site.

Loading... Loading IST...
KNOW INDIA
View →
🌍 MULTIPOLAR MOVEMENT TRACKER ON
Loading headlines...

Loading Top Trends...

WORLD-EXCLUSIVE

Scanning sources...

🔦 Newsroom Feed

    🔗 View Source
    Font Replacer Active
    ABOUT US CONTACT US PRIVACY POLICY TERMS & CONDITIONS INDIAN DIPLOMACY PARLIAMENT SESSION POTUS TRUMP KREMLIN ALERTS LOP RAHUL GANDHI PM NARENDRA MODI