Last week we marked the 75th birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi — a statesman whose leadership has reshaped India’s trajectory and strengthened its bonds with nations across the globe, not least the United Kingdom.
Since taking office in 2014, Modi has led India through a period of remarkable transformation. From ambitious economic reforms and digital innovation to global diplomacy, he has worked tirelessly to empower India’s 1.4 billion citizens and ensure the country takes its rightful place on the world stage. Representing the world’s largest democracy, Modi has become a respected voice on issues ranging from economic growth to climate action, and a symbol of India’s growing influence in global affairs.
The esteem in which Modi is held internationally is reflected in the outpouring of warm birthday wishes from global leaders. Former US President Donald Trump personally called to congratulate him, referring to Modi as “my friend.” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised Modi’s “visionary leadership” and spoke of his commitment to deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called Modi “an inspiration” and wished him “health and energy to continue leading India.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent his personal greetings, saying he looks forward to “many more years of strong India-Israel partnership.”
For the United Kingdom, the connection with India has never been more significant. Bound by shared democratic values and a belief in enterprise, the UK–India partnership has gone from strength to strength under Modi’s leadership and successive Conservative Prime Ministers. Whether in trade, education, security cooperation, or cultural exchange, the relationship has flourished — supported by the 1.5 million-strong British Indian community, often described as the “living bridge” between our two nations.
Modi has also had a direct impact on the Conservative Party itself. In 2012, with his support, Smriti Irani travelled to London to launch Conservative Friends of India with the then Prime Minister David Cameron and Lord Dolar Popat. CF India has since grown to become the largest affiliated group within the Conservative Party. This reflects a deeper ideological alignment between the BJP and the Conservatives: a shared belief in aspiration, hard work, and community empowerment.
The partnership between the UK and India is not simply a matter of diplomacy — it is personal, people-led, and built on trust. Today, there is a renewed sense of ambition for what this special relationship can achieve, from a comprehensive free trade agreement to collaboration in science, technology, and green energy.
As we celebrate this milestone birthday, we look ahead with optimism. Modi’s vision of a strong and confident India aligns with Britain’s own global outlook. Together, our nations have much more to do — not only for our mutual prosperity but for tackling the great challenges of our age.
On this 75th birthday, we extend our warmest wishes to Prime Minister Modi. May his leadership continue to inspire, may the friendship between our countries deepen, and may this unique partnership thrive for generations to come.
