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.

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

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.

Chancellor Angela Merkel wrote to PM @narendramodi, conveying greetings to him on his birthday. pic.twitter.com/2EKOIyVJrY

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 17, 2020

PM @MarinSanna of Finland has extended birthday greetings to PM @narendramodi. pic.twitter.com/a7ELHEvZPh

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 16, 2020

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

President #Putin and @NarendraModi discussed #RussiaIndia cooperation in fight against #COVID19, confirmed mutual commitment to further boost bilateral relations. Vladimir Putin also extended warm congratulations on Indian PM's 70th birthday➡️https://t.co/AyjCeJaVhq#Modiat70 pic.twitter.com/BBu73oacBh

— Russia in India (@RusEmbIndia) September 17, 2020

The President of Turkmenistan, Mr. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow has written a letter to PM @narendramodi, conveying birthday greetings. pic.twitter.com/RV7szLi84S

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 17, 2020

Birthday greetings to PM @narendramodi from the President of Kazakhstan, Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. pic.twitter.com/vrSV5BQXPi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 17, 2020

Birthday wishes from @Statsmin Mette Frederiksen of Denmark to PM @narendramodi. pic.twitter.com/gOVQanI5xB

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 17, 2020

His Majesty the King of Bhutan writes a letter to the Prime Minister, Shri @narendramodi on his birthday. pic.twitter.com/q1Y3YjEQey

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 17, 2020

PM @antoniocostapm greets PM @narendramodi on his birthday. pic.twitter.com/47GSWcprGc

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 17, 2020

The Prime Minister of Luxembourg, Mr. @Xavier_Bettel penned a letter to PM @narendramodi, conveying birthday greetings. pic.twitter.com/DWkWOpsENB

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 17, 2020