Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama wrote a letter wishing Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 75th birthday on September 17, 2025. In the message, he wished Modi good health and continued success and referred to India’s progress, development and global role, saying India’s success also contributes to development around the world.
According to information released by the Dalai Lama’s office, the letter was sent on September 17, 2025, on the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday. The Dalai Lama conveyed his heartfelt wishes and said that during his long stay in India, he had closely witnessed the country’s development and prosperity.
Describing himself as a long-standing guest of India, the Dalai Lama said he had directly observed the country’s extensive development and prosperity over the years. He congratulated Prime Minister Modi on India’s growing confidence and strength.
The Dalai Lama said India’s success was not limited to the country itself and was also connected with global development. He referred to India’s religious diversity and democratic identity, describing India as the world’s most populous country and largest democracy and highlighting its deeply rooted religious pluralism.
In his message, the Dalai Lama said India’s coexistence of different religious traditions was among the country’s important characteristics. He described India as an example of harmony and stability for the world.
The letter also referred to the relationship between India and the Tibetan community. The Dalai Lama said India had been not only a source of spiritual heritage for Tibetans but also their physical home for more than six decades. He expressed gratitude on behalf of the Tibetan community to the Government of India and the people of the country.
The Dalai Lama has lived in India for a long period. His residence in Dharamshala and the presence of institutions of the Tibetan community in exile there form part of the historical context of relations between India and Tibetan society. In the letter, he thanked India for its hospitality and support.
The Dalai Lama’s relationship with India dates back several decades. After going into exile from Tibet, he took refuge in India, and Dharamshala subsequently became an important centre for Tibetan spiritual and cultural activities.
The Tibetan community in exile, under the Dalai Lama’s leadership, developed several institutions in India to preserve education, culture and religious traditions. Dharamshala became a key centre for these activities.
The Dalai Lama also referred to this long historical relationship in his letter and expressed gratitude for the hospitality extended by Indians. He said India had provided Tibetans with a physical home for more than six decades while enabling them to remain connected with their spiritual heritage.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Dalai Lama have publicly interacted and met on several occasions. The prime minister has also extended birthday wishes to the Dalai Lama.
On July 6, 2026, Prime Minister Modi wished the Dalai Lama on his 91st birthday and described his message of peace and harmony as a guide for people around the world. Modi also praised his moral and spiritual contribution and his commitment to global welfare.
In June 2024, the Dalai Lama congratulated Prime Minister Modi and the NDA on their victory in the Lok Sabha election. In that letter, he referred to India as the world’s largest democracy and mentioned the country’s tradition of non-violence and compassion. He also referred to India’s democratic tradition and ancient civilisation.
The September 2025 letter was specifically connected with Prime Minister Modi’s birthday and primarily referred to India’s progress and the long-standing relationship between the Dalai Lama and India. The Dalai Lama made positive comments about India’s achievements and conveyed personal wishes to the prime minister.
He wished Prime Minister Modi good health and continued success and expressed his prayers and good wishes at the end of the letter.
The message also linked India’s religious pluralism, democratic identity, harmony and stability. The Dalai Lama said India’s success has an impact on global development and described the country as an example of harmony and stability.
The letter did not comment on political policies or any specific government scheme. Instead, it referred to India’s broader progress, social diversity and role in the world, while conveying personal birthday wishes to Prime Minister Modi and expressing hope for India’s continued progress.
The Dalai Lama also reiterated gratitude towards India on behalf of the Tibetan people, referring to the country’s role as their physical home for more than six decades.
Overall, the letter sent by the Dalai Lama on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday combined personal wishes with references to India’s development, religious pluralism, democratic identity and global role. He linked India’s success with global development, described the country as an example of harmony and stability, and expressed the Tibetan community’s gratitude to the Government of India and the Indian people.
