US President Donald Trump recently posted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s three-hour podcast with Lex Fridman on his Truth Social, providing an implicit endorsement of the Indian prime minister. The post was made on Monday morning (India time) and is interpreted as a gesture to its strong personal rapport. The two had met previously last month during PM Modi’s visit to the White House, when Trump described Modi as a ‘tough negotiator’.
Modi discussed his close relationship with Trump in the podcast, praising his ‘humility’ and ‘resilience’. Modi further added that Trump was ‘far more prepared’ in his second term in office, even though he had attempted an assassination in the last presidential campaign. “His life was for his country. His reflection reflected his America First attitude, just as I believe in nation first. I believe in India first and that’s why we relate so strongly. Those are the things that really speak to you,” Modi said in the interview.
Modi also talked about the ‘Howdy Modi’ event in Houston, where he and Trump addressed a gathering of people in a stadium. He recalled how Trump walked into the crowd without asking for additional security, despite the risk involved.Modi felt this gesture was very touching, and he said, “It showed me that this man had courage. It was that sense of mutual trust, a strong bond between us that I truly witnessed.”
In addition, Modi described how Modi first met Trump at the White House when Trump deviated from protocol to provide him with a personal tour of the complex without notes or aide.He emphasized that this display of trust formed the foundation of their long-lasting relationship. Modi further stated that despite Joe Biden’s ascension to power, Trump has continued to refer to him as a friend and say, “Whenever someone we both knew would meet him, he would say, ‘Modi is my friend, pass on my regards.’ That type of gesture is not common.”
On his interactions with Trump, Modi accepted Trump’s description of him as a “tough negotiator.” Modi said that he always keeps India’s interests above all in negotiations and raises the voice of his country’s cause in a good way. He further said, “That’s why in every forum, I speak up for India’s interest, not to harm anyone but in a positive manner, and because of that, no one takes offence.”