From ‘Howdy Modi’ to ‘Melodi’: As PM Modi turns 75, a look at how world leaders hail his friendship

Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned 75 on Wednesday (September 17). Ever since he came to power at the Centre in 2014, he has been cultivated a global fanbase with his warm and cordial relations with world leaders. Many observers describe his personal chemistry with top world leaders as a driving factor working in in India’s favour in crunch situations of diplomacy.

Born in Mehsana, Gujarat, PM Modi is the longest-serving non-Congress prime minister and the first non-Congress leader to complete two full terms in office. As he becomes India’s second-longest consecutive prime minister, his popularity continues to skyrocket, whether in India or abroad.

This can be reflected by the fact that in July this year, he topped the list of ‘Democratic Leader Approval Ratings’ of world leaders at 75 per cent. Here’s a look at some of the world leaders who got charmed by the “Modi wave” in the past 11 years.

Putin-Modi: Strong ties that lie on the foundation of a strong history

For decades, India and Russia (even the Soviet Union before it disintegrated) have shared a strong relationship. The two nations have trusted and stood by each other when they felt isolated from the world. These solid India-Russia ties lay the foundation of a strong relationship between Prime Minister Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Russian president has often expressed admiration for PM Modi’s “India-first” policy and the “Make in India” initiative. “The Indian government, under the Prime Minister’s leadership, has been creating stable conditions, driven by a policy of putting India first. We believe that investing in India is profitable,” Putin said while addressing the 15th VTB Russia Calling Investment Forum.

Modi & Trump: Friends even during turbulent times

Even though US President Donald Trump has imposed a whopping 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods, the American leader has always maintained that the Indian Prime Minister continues to remain a friend.

“I’ll always be friends with [Narendra] Modi…He’s a great prime minister. He’s great,” Trump said earlier this month. “I look forward to speaking with my very good friend, Prime Minister Modi, in the upcoming weeks. I feel certain that there will be no difficulty in coming to a successful conclusion for both of our Great Countries,” he later wrote on social media.

It was under Trump’s first administration that Texas organised an event called “Howdy Modi”. A grand welcome like this is rarely given to international leaders in the US, reflecting Trump’s admiration for the PM.

Albanese: ‘Modi, the Boss’

When PM Modi paid a visit to Australia, the country’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was enamoured by the Indian premier’s popularity. Albanese compared PM Modi to Bruce Springsteen and went on to call him a “boss”.

“The last time I saw someone on this stage was Bruce Springsteen, and he did not get the welcome that Prime Minister Modi has got. Prime Minister Modi is the boss,” Albanese said at an event where the prime minister was addressing the Indian diaspora.

Modi & Meloni: Melodi

Netizens went gaga when they witnessed the dynamics between PM Modi and Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni. The friendship between the two leaders is so talked about that the Internet gave the duo an interesting name, “Melodi”.

On the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Canada, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni told Prime Minister Modi, “You are the best. I am trying to be like you.”

She later posted a picture on X and said, “Italy and India, linked by a great friendship”. Prime Minister Modi reshared the post and said, “Fully agree with you, PM Giorgia Meloni. India’s friendship with Italy will continue to get stronger, greatly benefitting our people!” Before this, the Italian premier also shared a photograph with PM Modi with the caption #Melodi, a nod to the viral name.

Modi & Netanyahu: ‘Apka swagat hai mere dost’

PM Modi was one of the first world leaders to condemn the October 7 attack by Hamas against Israel. PM Modi has always shared a strong tie with the country’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. During his visit to Israel, PM Modi was not only embraced by Netanyahu, but the world also saw the two leaders standing on the beach in Haifa. Netanyahu often referred to the prime minister as a “friend” and even extended support to India in the aftermath of the devastating Pahalgam terror attack.

Leaders from the past

• Boris Johnson: ‘Khaas Dost’- During his time in office, former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson shared a close relationship with PM Modi, which even went on after Johnson resigned from his office. Earlier in April 2022, when Johnson paid a visit to India to participate in Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, he called PM Modi his ‘Khaas Dost’. Not only this, Johnson also thanked the Indian premier for the “amazing reception” he received in India.

• Naftali Bennet: While having a conversation with PM Modi on the sidelines of the COP26 Climate Summit at Glasgow, Israel’s former PM Naftali Bennet asked the Indian prime minister to join his party. In a viral video, the ex-Israeli premier was heard saying, “You are the most popular man in Israel. Come and join my party.” Hearing this, PM Modi burst out in laughter.

• Tony Abbott: During his visit to Australia in his early days as the prime minister, Australia’s then-PM Tony Abbott referred to PM Modi as a “friend”. “If we could use first names, that would be good as well because, whatever disagreements we might have, it helps if there can at least be personal warmth amongst us,” said Abbot at that time.

Special Mention: Xi Jinping

India and China have shared tense relations with each other for time immemorial. Two of the world’s fastest-growing economies have often competed in different sectors and even engaged in border clashes.

Despite tense relations, PM Modi and Xi always shared cordial ties. Back in 2014, India and China were seen warming up to each other after Xi paid a visit to India. Another reflection of the cordial ties was the fact that PM Modi received Xi in Ahmedabad, instead of Delhi.

Xi was seen sporting a white sleeveless Nehru jacket, gifted to him by Modi. The two leaders strolled along the Sabarmati River, walking through a park punctuated by colourful Gujarati dance and music pageants. They were eventually clicked together, having an informal discussion on a “jhoola”, a swing. The meeting was popularly known as ‘Jhoole pe Charcha’.

As India-China ties started to warm up again, years after the Galwan standoff, PM Modi paid a visit to China after seven years. The two leaders reaffirmed their ties and were seen having a cordial connection.

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