Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday has evolved from a personal milestone into a diplomatic event of global significance. From Washington to Moscow, world leaders used the occasion to extend greetings—signaling not just goodwill, but also India’s rising stature on the international stage.

A Call Beyond Courtesy: Trump’s Surprise Gesture

Former U.S. President Donald Trump surprised many by calling Modi just minutes before his birthday began. Addressing him affectionately as “Narendra,” Trump extended warm wishes while also thanking Modi for his role in supporting peace efforts in the Russia–Ukraine conflict.

The phone call was more than a personal greeting. It carried undertones of strategic recalibration—especially given that Trump’s earlier tariff-heavy trade policies had strained ties with India. His latest outreach suggested an attempt to reset the relationship with Modi on a warmer note, appealing to both personal camaraderie and India’s growing global influence.

Putin’s Parallel Outreach

Soon after Trump’s call, Russian President Vladimir Putin also reached out to Modi. Putin praised India’s rapid economic progress and reaffirmed Russia’s “special and privileged strategic partnership” with New Delhi.

Receiving back-to-back greetings from leaders of two rival power centers underscored Modi’s unique diplomatic positioning—maintaining strong ties with Washington and Moscow simultaneously, despite their escalating tensions.

India’s Transformation Under Modi

When Modi first assumed office in 2014, India faced daunting challenges: entrenched poverty, corruption, and policy stagnation. Over the past 11 years, his government has launched sweeping reforms—ranging from universal electricity access and rural housing to digital banking, clean cooking fuel, and tap water for households.

India has also emerged as a hub for startups, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing, shifting the narrative from a struggling developing nation to the world’s fastest-growing major economy. Today, India is not only a rising economic power but also a decisive voice in global governance forums such as the G20, BRICS, and QUAD.

Modi’s Credentials & Achievements (2014–2025)

Three Consecutive Terms as Prime Minister

Modi first became PM in May 2014, was re-elected in 2019, and again in 2024. This makes him the first non-Congress leader to win three consecutive Lok Sabha elections.

Longest-Serving Leader among Major Democracies

By 2025, he is among the longest-serving heads of government in the world (among major democracies).

Economic Growth & Large Economy Status

Under his leadership, India has become one of the world’s fastest-growing large economies.

India’s GDP grew significantly; the poverty rate dropped from ~29.2% in 2013-14 to ~11.3% in 2022-23.

Per capita income rose dramatically.

Major Welfare & Social Schemes

Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY): financial inclusion scheme launched in August 2014 to ensure every household can open a bank account.

Swachh Bharat Mission: Launched in October 2014, huge numbers of toilets built; significant reduction in open defecation.

Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Housing for All): Built millions of houses for the poor.

Ujjwala Yojana: Distribution of clean cooking fuel (LPG) to rural and poor households.

Infrastructure & Connectivity

Almost all villages electrified; large push for rural electrification programmes.

Massive expansion of roads and highways; rural road connectivity has improved substantially.

Smart Cities Mission: launched in 2015 to upgrade urban areas across India.

Major Reforms

Goods and Services Tax (GST) introduced in 2017, subsumed many central & state indirect taxes.

Demonetization in 2016 (₹500 & ₹1000 notes) to curb black money, counterfeit currency etc.

Push for Digital India, linking Aadhaar, Jan Dhan, Mobile (JAM trinity) to improve direct benefit transfers and reduce leakages.

Empowerment of Marginalized Groups

Increased representation of SC/ST/OBC in ministerial positions (~60% of ministers from these communities).

Support to women via maternity benefits, improved sex ratio, welfare schemes targeting women.

Foreign Policy & Global Standing

India’s diplomatic activity increased; active role in forums like G20, BRICS etc. (While not always enumerated in stats, multiple sources note India’s elevated global profile under Modi.)

Agricultural exports, trade growth, more favorable rankings in various global metrics.

Sustainable & Environmental Efforts

Push for renewable energy: solar, wind installations grew under his government.

Clean water, sanitation, better solid waste management etc. Swachh Bharat, drinking water connections expansion.

Digital Transformation & Health

Expansion of digital services & governance; improved public service delivery via digital systems. T

During COVID-19, rapid vaccination, welfare transfers, schemes to support vulnerable groups.

Symbolism Meets Strategy

What stood out this year was the scale of international participation in Modi’s birthday. Leaders from Israel, Australia, Italy, and New Zealand recorded personal video messages, recognizing the value of direct outreach to India’s leader. These greetings reflect an understanding that engaging Modi often translates into goodwill from India’s 1.4 billion citizens.

For Trump, the timing was particularly symbolic. By highlighting friendship and collaboration on Ukraine, his approach marked a sharp departure from the tariff-driven confrontations of his presidency.

India’s Balancing Act

India’s foreign policy today is defined by “multi-alignment”—cooperating with the United States on defense and Indo-Pacific security, while simultaneously maintaining robust ties with Russia, especially in energy. Despite U.S. pressure, India continues to import over 1.7 million barrels of Russian crude oil daily, citing affordability and energy security.

At the same time, New Delhi deepens its engagement with Washington in areas such as defense manufacturing, semiconductors, and critical technology. This balancing act has become the hallmark of Modi’s diplomacy, allowing India to protect national interests while avoiding entanglement in great-power rivalries.

A Birthday Beyond Borders

For many Indians, Modi’s 75th birthday was not just about cake and celebrations but a reflection of how far the country has come under his leadership. From economic self-reliance to global recognition, the day symbolized India’s transformation into a confident, forward-looking power.

In his birthday address, Modi reiterated his vision of making India a developed nation by 2047, when the country marks 100 years of independence. His roadmap emphasizes innovation, digital empowerment, defense indigenization, and cultural revival as the foundation of India’s rise.

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