United States  President Donald Trump on Thursday conveyed wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 70th birthday and called him a “great leader” and a “loyal friend”.

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.

“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 on Thursday.

“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,” Modi responded in a tweet on Friday.

Trump also posted a photograph of him and First lady Melania Trump with Prime Minister 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 cricket stadium in Ahmedabad in February this year.

At the event, Prime Minister Modi had said that a “new history” was being created. Modi and Trump enjoy a “special relationship” and have been working on a number of regional and global issues.

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! pic.twitter.com/CWlVkHk16X

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 17, 2020