US President Donald Trump greeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 70th birthday, praising him as a “great leader and loyal friend”. Trump was among a host of world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who wished Modi on his birthday and lauded him for strengthening ties with their countries. “I would like to extend best wishes and a very happy 70th birthday to the Prime Minister of India, @narendramodi. Many happy returns to a GREAT LEADER and loyal friend!” Trump tweeted on Thursday.

 

“Thank you @POTUS @realDonaldTrump for your warm wishes. The friendship between our nations is strong and is a force for good for the entire humanity,” Modi responded in a tweet on Friday. Trump also posted a photograph of him and First lady Melania Trump with Prime Minister Modi at the ‘Namaste Trump’ event. The two leaders had their hands raised and clenched before a 125,000-strong crowd who had gathered to welcome the US President on his first India visit at Motera cricket stadium in Ahmedabad in February this year.

 

At the event, Prime Minister Modi had said that a “new history” was being created. Modi and Trump enjoy a “special relationship” and have been working on a number of regional and global issues. They frequently talk over the phone and the countries have had an unprecedented level of cooperation even during the coronavirus pandemic. India supplied hydroxychloroquine to the US in the early stages of the pandemic and Trump ordered ventilators to India. The two countries are also collaborating on the development of vaccines and therapeutics.

 

 

 

 

THANKING the people for their birthday wishes, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged everyone to continue wearing masks and follow social distancing norms in a bid to contain coronavirus, since many had asked him what birthday gift he wanted.

 

In a late-night tweet on Thursday, the Prime Minister wrote, “Since many have asked, what is it that I want for my birthday, here is what I seek right now: Keep wearing a mask and wear it properly; Follow social distancing. Remember ‘Do Gaj Ki Doori’; Avoid crowded spaces; Improve your immunity.” “Let us make our planet healthy,” he said.

 

The Prime Minister, who turned 70 on Thursday, said the birthday greetings give him the strength to serve and work towards improving the lives of the people. “People from all over India, from all over the world have shared their kind wishes. I am grateful to each and every person who has greeted me. These greetings give me the strength to serve and work towards improving the lives of my fellow citizens,” he said in another tweet. According to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India’s coronavirus tally stands at 51,18,254 including 10,09,976 active cases, 40,25,080 cured/discharged/migrated and 83,198 deaths.