Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently shared his views on various global issues and his relationship with other world leaders in a podcast interview with American scientist Lex Fridman.
US President Donald Trump
One of the major topics he discussed was his bond with former US President Donald Trump, who highlighted his mutual trust and shared commitment to give priority to his respective national interests.
He praised Mr. Trump’s dedication to America, described him as “unbreakable” and praised his flexibility in adverse conditions. “Even after shooting, he remained unwavering to America. His life was for his nation. It showed his first feeling of America, as I first believe in the nation – India first,” said Shri Modi.
He also praised Shri Trump’s humility, citing his gesture of sitting in the audience during the ‘Hody Modi’ incident in 2019. “This is their humility,” he said. He further praised Mr. Trump’s clear vision and Roadmap for his second term as President.
The Prime Minister also reflected on his visit to the White House, where Mr. Trump personally broke the protocol by giving him an tour. “He personally took me on a White House tour,” he said. Despite not meeting in a person for years, he emphasized that his communication and trust were strong.
Asked about Mr. Trump’s remarks that Mr. Modi is a better negotiator, he blamed it for Shri Trump’s decency and humility. In the second term of Mr. Trump as the President of Mr. Trump, he said, “His mind has a clear roadmap with well -defined steps, each one designed to move him to his goals.” He insisted that his attitude for talks always gives priority to India’s interests.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelancesi
In addition to discussing his relations with Mr. Trump, he also addressed the ongoing struggle in Ukraine. He reiterated India’s attitude that the war can only be resolved through interaction and conversation between Ukraine and Russia. He emphasized that he has a close relationship with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodimare Zelanski, and would advise them to prioritize diplomacy.
He said, “I can sit with President Putin and say that this is not the time of war. I can tell President Zelanceci in a friendly way that brother, how many people stand with you in the world, there will never be a resolution in the battlefield,” he said.
Chinese President Xi Jinping
In addition, he discussed the importance of strengthening relations between India and China. He emphasized that competition between the two countries should not have conflict, and this dialogue is necessary to create a stable and cooperative relationship. Shri Modi highlighted deep cultural relations between India and China, given that the two countries have learned from each other for centuries and have contributed significantly to global development.
“If you look at historical records, for centuries, India and China have learned from each other. Together, they have always contributed to the global good. The old record suggested that at one point, India and China alone have accounts for more than 50 percent of the world’s GDP. How did India contribute.
Mr. Modi accepted border disputes between India and China but expressed optimism about the future of their relationship. He said that his recent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping has made a comeback to the general position on the border, and that he is trying to restore the situation before 2020.
“After my recent meeting with President Xi, we have seen a return to the general position on the border. Now we are working to restore the conditions before 2020. Gradually but of course, trust, enthusiasm and energy will return,” he said.
Mr. Modi’s podcast interview with Lex Fridman provided valuable insight about his relations with other world leaders, his attitude to global issues and his vision for India’s role in the world. His emphasis on dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect highlights the importance of diplomacy in solving conflicts and promoting global stability.
As he insisted, “Our attention is to ensure that these differences do not change in controversies. This is what we work actively. Instead of discord, we emphasize dialogue. Because it is only through dialogue, that we can create a stable, cooperative relationship that serves the best interests of both nations.”
