World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Thursday, 17 September 2026 extended birthday greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the latter turned 76, also thanking him for elevating global health on the agenda of the recently concluded BRICS Leaders Summit. The wishes, posted on X, were joined by a chorus of international leaders and diplomatic missions from across the world.

WHO Chief's Message and BRICS Health Commitments

In his post on X, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus wrote: 'Happy birthday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I wish you many happy returns. Thank you for hosting a successful BRICS Leaders Summit, for putting health high on the agenda, and for securing strong commitments by BRICS Leaders to Health For All and global health security.' The acknowledgement signals that India's BRICS presidency this year succeeded in pushing health security to the forefront of the bloc's collective commitments — a priority the WHO has long advocated globally.

Netanyahu Calls India-Israel Ties 'Unprecedented'

Among the more notable messages of the day was one from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose office posted on X: 'Happy birthday, Narendra! Your leadership has transformed India into a world power. Together, we have built an unprecedented partnership between our two great democracies. The friendship between Israel and India has never been stronger, and together we will take it to even greater heights. I wish you many more years of leadership, health and fulfilment.' Netanyahu's framing of the bilateral as an 'unprecedented partnership between two great democracies' is consistent with the deepening defence, technology, and trade ties the two nations have cultivated over the past decade.

Maldives, Sri Lanka Add Regional Warmth

Former Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih posted on X: 'Warmest birthday greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Your leadership has been central to the enduring friendship between the Maldives and India. Wishing you good health, happiness, and continued success in the year ahead.' The message is notable given the diplomatic fluctuations India-Maldives ties experienced in recent years, and Solih's continued goodwill underscores the personal ties built during his presidency.

In Sri Lanka, members of the clergy led by Ven. Banagala Upatissa Nayaka Thero, President of the Mahabodhi Society of Sri Lanka, offered blessings to PM Modi during a ceremony in Colombo commemorating the 162nd birth anniversary of Srimath Anagarika Dharmapala. The High Commission of India in Sri Lanka confirmed the event on X, adding a spiritual and civilisational dimension to the day's tributes.

Diplomatic Missions Join In

Several foreign envoys and diplomatic missions based in India also extended warm greetings to PM Modi, highlighting the enduring ties and close partnerships between India and their respective countries. The breadth of the international response reflects India's elevated diplomatic footprint heading into the final quarter of 2026.

Context: India's Global Health Push at BRICS

The WHO chief's specific mention of health commitments at the BRICS summit points to a substantive outcome beyond routine birthday diplomacy. Securing health-for-all and global health security pledges from BRICS leaders — a bloc now representing a significant share of the world's population — gives multilateral health frameworks an expanded coalition to work with. This comes amid ongoing global discussions around pandemic preparedness, antimicrobial resistance, and universal health coverage. As PM Modi begins his 77th year, the international messages paint a picture of a leader whose global standing continues to generate diplomatic currency for India.