Boston: PM Narendra Modi discusses many crucial areas concerning India from its growth to international relations with the other countries in the Lex Fridman Podcast. Touching on various issues, he particularly commends US President Donald Trump for his resilience and patriotic spirit, even after surviving an assassination attempt in July 2024-an attempt on his life.
"I believe in India First" said Modi, whose own philosophy of prioritizing his country's interests above those of others- like Trump-with their dedication and commitment to America and its people. During the conversation, Modi recounted how much he admired the charisma of Donald Trump as an individual and as a politician.
Modi raised the China issue too, while talking to Fridman, especially about the border with India. He mentioned that several important steps have already been taken to improve ties with China because of the dialogue with president Xi Jinping. "We are working to restore pre-2020 conditions, and with time, we will rebuild trust and normalcy at the border," Modi said, viewing dialogue rather than discord as a path of long-term peace.
On the global platform, Modi proclaimed India's unyielding position on the issue of the war between Russia and Ukraine. He called upon both nations, Russia as well as Ukraine, to engage into a meaningful talk realizing that war is not a solution: "This is not the era of war" and called countries to negotiate diplomatically rather than fight on a long-term basis, as it does not concern only the two involved but also the Global South.
In addition, Modi mentioned the progressing trade negotiations between India and the USA, the future tariff challenges, or despite the high barriers on the trade fronts under Trump's term, which India expects will offer them a fair outcome and exemption on the tariffs, which will start on April 2nd.
While making his last remarks, Modi also made it clear that he is not neutral; he prefers being known as an indeterminate person committed to and advocating for peace through diplomatic means. He also mentions the fact that a healthy competition between India and China is necessary for global stability and prosperity.
[Source Credit: GoodReturns.IN ]
