Vladimir Putin turns 73: Spends birthday chairing security council meeting, PM Modi extends wishes

Moscow: Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, turned 73 on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, with tributes pouring in from domestic officials and international leaders. Kremlin envoy on Ukraine, Vladimir Medinsky, praised Putin for halting the fragmentation of Russia and restoring its historical trajectory, noting that he assumed office in 2000 during a period of national crisis following the Soviet Union's collapse.

Support for Putin was echoed by top Russian figures, including State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, Moscow region Governor Andrei Vorobyov, and Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov highlighted Putin’s pivotal role in Russian and global affairs, stating, “It is hard to overrate Putin’s role in the life of Russian citizens and the fate of the world.” He confirmed that Putin, who typically works on his birthday, was scheduled to chair a meeting of Russia’s Security Council.

Internationally, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first to extend birthday wishes, speaking with Putin in a phone call where they reaffirmed the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. Modi expressed anticipation for hosting Putin at the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit in December. Other leaders, including Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, also sent congratulatory messages, praising Putin’s leadership and contributions to global multipolarity.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly called Putin the previous night to discuss Gaza, Iran’s nuclear program, and Syria, while the Kremlin indicated that a call from US President Donald Trump was possible. Despite the ongoing war in Ukraine, Putin’s birthday was marked by subdued official celebrations, consistent with recent years, as he continued working and engaging in diplomatic calls.

With inputs from PTI