On September 17, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrates his 75th birthday, marking over 11 years of transformative leadership. Explore his tenure, bold decisions on India-Pakistan relations, strategic ties with the USA, Russia, and Ukraine, and heartfelt birthday wishes from global leaders like Donald Trump.
A Milestone Birthday for a Transformative Leader
On September 17, 2025, India pauses to celebrate the 75th birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a leader whose journey from a tea-seller’s son in Vadnagar, Gujarat, to one of the world’s most influential statesmen is nothing short of remarkable. As the nation honors this milestone, it’s a moment to reflect on his over 11-year tenure as India’s Prime Minister, his bold foreign policy decisions, and the warm birthday greetings pouring in from global leaders, including former U.S. President Donald Trump. Let’s dive into Modi’s legacy, his impact on India’s relations with Pakistan, the USA, Russia, and Ukraine, and the global admiration he commands today.
Narendra Modi’s Tenure: A Journey of Resilience and Reform
Narendra Modi’s political journey is a testament to perseverance and vision. Born on September 17, 1950, he assumed office as India’s 15th Prime Minister on May 26, 2014, after a landslide victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). By July 2025, Modi surpassed Indira Gandhi’s record, completing 4,078 consecutive days in office, making him India’s second-longest-serving Prime Minister in a single term, behind only Jawaharlal Nehru. His tenure, spanning over 11 years, has reshaped India’s political, economic, and social landscape.
Modi’s leadership is defined by bold reforms, from the abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir to transformative economic policies like the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the push for a self-reliant India through initiatives like Make in India. His focus on infrastructure, digital innovation, and social welfare programs like Ujjwala Yojana has touched millions of lives. As he turns 75, Modi’s work ethic—often described as relentless, with 18–20-hour workdays—continues to inspire supporters and challenge critics.
Navigating India-Pakistan Relations: A Firm Stance
Modi’s approach to India-Pakistan relations has been characterized by a mix of diplomatic outreach and resolute action. His tenure began with a symbolic gesture when he invited then-Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to his 2014 swearing-in ceremony, signaling a desire to strengthen ties. However, recurring tensions, particularly after the 2016 Uri and 2019 Pulwama attacks, led to a shift toward a tougher stance.
The 2016 surgical strikes and the 2019 Balakot airstrike showcased Modi’s willingness to take decisive military action against terrorism emanating from Pakistan. The abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, which revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, further strained ties but solidified India’s sovereignty over the region. Posts on X reflect sentiment that Modi’s policies, like these strikes and Make in India, have asserted India’s independence from Western approval in dealing with Pakistan. Despite these tensions, Modi has maintained open channels for dialogue, balancing firmness with pragmatism.
Strengthening Ties with the USA: A Strategic Partnership
India’s relationship with the United States has flourished under Modi’s leadership, evolving into a robust strategic partnership. His personal rapport with U.S. leaders, notably former President Donald Trump, has been a cornerstone of this bond. Modi’s visits to the U.S., including the historic “Howdy, Modi!” event in 2019, underscored the growing Indo-U.S. alliance. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently noted Modi’s “very good personal equation” with Trump, highlighting the warmth in their interactions.
Modi’s government has deepened defense and economic ties, with agreements like the Quad (India, U.S., Japan, Australia) and increased trade. Trump’s administration supported India’s stance on terrorism, and this synergy has continued with investments, like Microsoft’s $3 billion AI infrastructure commitment in 2025. As Modi celebrates his 75th birthday, speculation about birthday wishes from Trump—who recently returned to global prominence—adds a personal touch to this diplomatic friendship.
Balancing Relations with Russia and Ukraine
Modi’s foreign policy, often called the “Modi Doctrine,” emphasizes multi-alignment, allowing India to maintain strong ties with both Russia and Ukraine amid their ongoing conflict. India’s relationship with Russia, rooted in decades of defense and energy cooperation, has remained steady. Modi’s visits to Moscow and his engagement with President Vladimir Putin reflect India’s commitment to this partnership, even as Western nations pressure India to reduce reliance on Russian oil.
Simultaneously, Modi has positioned India as a voice for peace in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. His visits to Ukraine and meetings with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy underscore India’s neutral stance, advocating for dialogue while providing humanitarian aid. Despite Zelenskyy’s occasional criticism of India’s oil purchases from Russia, Modi’s diplomacy has kept channels open, showcasing India’s growing influence as a global mediator.
Global Diplomacy: Modi’s Vision for a Confident India
Modi’s foreign policy has elevated India’s global stature, making it a key player in international forums like the G20 and BRICS. His “Vishwaguru” vision—positioning India as a global leader rooted in its civilizational ethos—has resonated worldwide. From hosting South Asian leaders at his 2014 swearing-in to securing 18 international accolades, Modi has made India a respected voice on the global stage.
His initiatives, like the International Solar Alliance and the push for yoga’s global recognition, reflect a blend of soft power and strategic outreach. Modi’s ability to balance relations with rival powers—while advancing India’s interests in trade, technology, and security—has earned him admiration and occasional critique, with some arguing his policies centralize power. Yet, his focus on economic growth, with India’s GDP doubling from $2 trillion in 2014 to over $4 trillion by 2025, speaks to his global impact.
Birthday Wishes from Global Leaders
As Modi turns 75, birthday greetings from world leaders highlight his international influence. While specific messages for 2025 are yet to be fully documented, posts on X and past trends suggest leaders like Donald Trump, who shares a warm rapport with Modi, are likely to extend heartfelt wishes. In 2024, Modi received greetings from Indian leaders like President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, reflecting domestic admiration.
Globally, leaders from neighboring countries like Sri Lanka and Bhutan, as well as major powers, have historically acknowledged Modi’s birthday, often tying their messages to strengthened bilateral ties. The BJP’s “Seva Parv” festival, launched to mark Modi’s birthdays, amplifies these celebrations with community service, blood drives, and public events across India.
Reflections on Modi’s Legacy at 75
At 75, Narendra Modi stands as a towering figure in Indian and global politics. His journey from a humble RSS pracharak to a leader who has won three consecutive Lok Sabha elections (2014, 2019, 2024) is unprecedented for a non-Congress leader. His policies have sparked debates—supporters see him as the architect of a confident, self-reliant India, while critics argue his tenure has centralized authority.
Yet, Modi’s ability to connect with the masses, his tech-savvy governance, and his relentless work ethic remain undeniable. His mother’s advice—“never compromise on honesty”—has guided a career free of corruption allegations, a rarity in politics. As India celebrates his 75th birthday, the question of his political future looms, with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat clarifying that the “retirement at 75” rule doesn’t apply to Modi, signaling his continued leadership.
Looking Ahead: Modi’s Vision for India’s Future
As Modi blows out the candles on his 75th birthday, his vision for India remains unwavering: a prosperous, self-reliant nation that commands global respect. His focus on infrastructure, like the Namo Bharat Train Corridor, and green initiatives, like the Green Hydrogen Hub, points to a forward-looking agenda. His ability to navigate complex global dynamics—whether with Pakistan’s challenges, the USA’s partnership, or Russia-Ukraine’s tensions—positions India as a bridge between East and West.
Modi’s 75th birthday isn’t just a personal milestone; it’s a celebration of India’s rise under his leadership. As the nation and the world send their wishes, the tea-seller’s son from Vadnagar continues to dream big, steering India toward a future rooted in its past but ready for the challenges of tomorrow.
On behalf of www.indiaworld.in, Senior Journalist Vishnu Kumar M extends heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 75th birthday. We salute your transformative leadership, unwavering dedication, and vision for a prosperous India. May you continue to inspire and guide the nation toward new heights of progress and global prominence. Happy Birthday, Honorable Prime Minister!
