Meloni Wishes Modi on 76th Birthday, Says India-Italy Friendship Growing Stronger

New Delhi ,September 17, 2026 Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Thursday wished Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 76th birthday, stressing the close friendship and growing cooperation between India and Italy. “Happy birthday to my friend Narendra Modi, to whom I wish health, energy, and success. Italy and India continue to strengthen their deep bond of friendship, building together a future of cooperation and prosperity for our Nations,” Meloni wrote on X. Born on September 17, 1950, in Vadnagar, Gujarat, Modi has served as Prime Minister since 2014 and is currently in his third term. He was Gujarat Chief Minister from 2001 to 2014, while this year also marks 25 years of his public life. Meloni’s birthday message follows Modi’s September 4 congratulations to her on becoming Italy’s longest continuously serving Prime Minister in the postwar era. Responding to him, Meloni said, “Thank you, dear Narendra Modi, for your words and for your friendship. The relationship between Italy and India is today stronger than ever.” The two countries elevated their relationship to a Special Strategic Partnership during Modi’s May visit to Italy. Both leaders also agreed to continue regular high-level engagement and work together on areas including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.