A very happy 70th to my loyal friend & great leader PM Modi: Trump

Washington: US President Donald Trump greeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 70th birthday, praising him as a "great leader and loyal friend".

"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 Thursday afternoon local time. Prime Minister Modi, born on September 17 in 1950, turned 70 on Thursday.

He also posted a photograph of him and First Lady Melania Trump with PM 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 Stadium in Ahmedabad in February.

At the event, PM Modi had said that a "new history" was being created.

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. https://t.co/P848MBkYBr

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 18, 2020

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.

Putin and Merkel wrote letters to PM Modi, and Johnson and several others tweeted birthday greetings. PM Modi responded individually to many of those who wished him on Twitter.

"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 strength to serve and work towards improving the lives of my fellow citizens," he said in one of his tweets late night.

The Prime Minister also urged people to take precautions to defeat the coronavirus.

"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.