World leaders extend birthday wishes to PM Modi

New Delhi: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday extended his “very best wishes” to Narendra Modi on the latter’s 70th birthday, adding that he hoped to meet the Indian Prime Minister in the near future.

Johnson, who has met Modi on several occasions, has been keen on signing a free trade agreement (FTA) with India after the UK’s exit from the European Union is completed on December 31. Initial talks in that direction have already begun.

Johnson tweeted, “Very best wishes to my friend @narendramodi on his 70th birthday. I hope to see you soon.”

The possibility of Johnson visiting India in 2020 had been discussed earlier this year, but the coronavirus pandemic has affected those plans. Only virtual interactions have been taking place between British and Indian ministers, largely on trade issues.

Modi last visited London in April 2018 for a Commonwealth heads of government summit.

German Chancellor and Finnish Prime Minister were among global leaders who wished Prime Minister Modi on his birthday.

Dalai Lama has also written a letter conveying his birthday wishes to Prime Minister Modi.