Modi calls Merkel on her birthday, congratulates on World Cup win

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished German Chancellor Angela Merkel on her 60th birthday on Thursday and congratulated her for Germany's triumph at the Fifa World Cup in Brazil.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished German Chancellor Angela Merkel on her 60th birthday on Thursday and congratulated her for Germany's triumph at the Fifa World Cup in Brazil.

During his "technical halt" here, Modi, who is on his way back after attending the BRICS summit in Brazil, spoke to Merkel from his hotel.

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Later Modi tweeted: "Had a telephonic conversation with Chancellor Merkel. Wished her on her birthday & congratulated her on Germany's win at the Fifa World Cup."

Modi could not meet the German Chancellor when he made a overnight stopover in Berlin while en route to Brazil for the summit as Merkel had to go to Rio de Janeiro for the FIFA World Cup final.

Germany, which had ripped Brazil's dreams to shreds in the semi-finals, won its fourth World Cup after a tense 1-0 victory over Argentina on Sunday.

The win ended Germany's 24-year wait for glory at Rio de Janeiro's Maracana Stadium.