On September 17, 2025, the corridors of international diplomacy were abuzz with well-wishes and high praise as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked his 75th birthday. The milestone was not just a personal celebration but a testament to Modi’s influence on the world stage, as leaders from across the globe—spanning continents and ideologies—extended their greetings and acknowledged India’s growing presence in global affairs.
Among the first to send a formal message was Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda. In a heartfelt letter, Browne didn’t just wish Modi a happy birthday—he lauded the Indian leader’s “wisdom and well-honed intellect,” crediting Modi with shaping the path of the world’s most populous nation. According to Antigua News, Browne wrote, “The world needs more Narendra Modis to inspire innovation, modernity, and new paths to development.” That’s high praise, and it speaks volumes about the regard in which Modi is held among fellow leaders of the Global South.
Browne’s message also highlighted India’s achievements under Modi’s stewardship, particularly its leadership in advancing South-South cooperation—a diplomatic approach that emphasizes mutual support and development among countries of the Global South. Browne specifically pointed to India’s pivotal role in the expansion of the BRICS initiative, a coalition that now stands as a counterweight to Western-dominated economic structures. “India’s achievements under your leadership are a testament to New Delhi’s global influence,” Browne noted, underscoring how India’s reach has extended far beyond its own borders in recent years.
But the relationship between Antigua and Barbuda and India is not merely rhetorical. Browne expressed his gratitude for India’s concrete support, mentioning the deployment of Indian medical professionals to Antigua and Barbuda and the training opportunities provided to local Information Technology experts. These initiatives, Browne argued, are “strengthening bilateral ties and bringing tangible benefits to the people of Antigua and Barbuda.” In a world where international partnerships can sometimes feel abstract, these are the sorts of hands-on efforts that make a difference on the ground.
Looking to the future, Browne expressed his eagerness to welcome Modi to Antigua and Barbuda during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which the island nation is set to host in 2026. “Enjoy your birthday, Excellency!” Browne concluded, signaling not just goodwill but a hope for deeper collaboration in the months ahead.
Meanwhile, the diplomatic warmth didn’t stop at the Caribbean. On September 18, Prime Minister Modi took to social media to thank South African President Cyril Ramaphosa for his own birthday greetings. The two leaders, who have forged a strong bond through their work in BRICS and the G20, used the occasion to reaffirm their commitment to advancing the interests of the Global South. According to Devdiscourse, Modi specifically highlighted the “enduring partnership” between India and South Africa, while Ramaphosa commended Modi’s leadership and wished him “prosperity in both personal and professional realms.”
The India-South Africa relationship is steeped in history and symbolism. Ties between the two countries stretch back to Mahatma Gandhi’s formative years in South Africa, where his Satyagraha movement took root. Later, India would play a pivotal role in the anti-apartheid struggle, initiating trade embargoes against the apartheid regime and standing in solidarity with South African activists. Today, that legacy endures in the form of strategic cooperation across multilateral platforms, with both nations working closely in forums like BRICS and the G20 to champion the causes of developing countries.
“Our mutual vision for cooperation is stronger than ever,” Modi remarked, a sentiment echoed by Ramaphosa in his own message. The South African leader underscored the “hope for continued solidarity and friendship,” signaling that the partnership is not just about the past, but very much about the future.
Of course, the chorus of birthday greetings extended far beyond the Global South. Russian President Vladimir Putin and former US President Donald Trump also sent their best wishes, reflecting India’s unique position as a bridge between East and West, North and South. Modi, for his part, admitted to feeling “overwhelmed by the global support exhibited through these greetings.” It’s not every day that a leader receives such a broad and enthusiastic show of respect from counterparts across the geopolitical spectrum.
What’s behind this outpouring of international goodwill? For one, Modi’s tenure has seen India emerge as a key player on the world stage. Under his leadership, India has not only maintained robust economic growth but has also become a central figure in global discussions on trade, climate change, and technology. The country’s role in providing vaccines and medical assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic further cemented its reputation as a responsible and proactive global actor.
But there’s also a deeper, more personal dimension to these greetings. Leaders like Browne and Ramaphosa see in Modi a champion for the Global South—a leader who, through both words and actions, has sought to elevate the voices and interests of developing nations. Whether it’s through the expansion of BRICS, the strengthening of bilateral partnerships, or the championing of South-South cooperation, Modi has consistently positioned India as a partner and advocate for countries seeking a greater say in world affairs.
At the same time, the well-wishes from leaders like Putin and Trump reflect India’s ability to maintain relationships across ideological divides. In an era marked by rising tensions and shifting alliances, that’s no small feat. Modi’s diplomatic approach—rooted in pragmatism, but also in a vision of inclusive global development—has enabled India to navigate a complex international landscape with both confidence and flexibility.
As India prepares to host key international summits and deepen its partnerships in the years ahead, the goodwill generated by Modi’s 75th birthday is likely to pay dividends. Whether in the form of new trade agreements, expanded educational exchanges, or joint initiatives in health and technology, the relationships celebrated this week are poised to deliver real benefits—not just for India, but for its partners around the world.
For now, though, the spotlight remains on the man at the center of it all. As leaders from every corner of the globe extend their greetings, one thing is clear: Narendra Modi’s influence is both far-reaching and deeply felt. And as the world watches, India’s role as a driver of innovation, cooperation, and development seems set to grow even stronger in the years to come.
