Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has commended U.S. President Donald Trump for being “far more prepared” in his second term, highlighting a clear road map for his administration. Speaking on a podcast with Lex Fridman, released on March 16, Modi emphasized Trump’s well-defined goals and praised his “America First” spirit, drawing parallels to his own “India First” philosophy.
The podcast, which spanned over three hours, covered a range of topics, including diplomacy, artificial intelligence, and Modi’s early life. Modi described Trump as gracious and humble, underlining the strong bond between the two leaders. The discussion comes weeks ahead of reciprocal tariffs planned by Washington, which could impact India’s exporters in sectors like automobiles and agriculture.
Modi also touched on India’s improving relations with China, following a 2024 agreement to reduce military tensions along their Himalayan border. He expressed optimism about restoring trust and cooperation with China, though he acknowledged that rebuilding relations would take time.
On Pakistan, Modi reiterated his hope for peaceful ties, despite past setbacks. “Every noble attempt at fostering peace was met with hostility and betrayal,” he remarked, urging Pakistan to choose the path of peace.
The podcast has drawn attention to Modi’s diplomatic outlook and his efforts to navigate complex international relationships amid evolving global dynamics. Both China and Pakistan have yet to respond to Modi’s remarks.