US President Donald Trump shared a podcast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s conversation with Lex Fridman on Sunday. In the podcast, PM Modi praised Trump’s leadership, recalled memorable moments from their meetings, and highlighted their continued relationship as Trump assumed presidency for the second time.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump posted the YouTube link of the podcast that lasted around three hours with AI researcher Fridman.
During the podcast, PM Modi reminisced about his interactions with Trump, talking about the ‘Howdy Modi‘ gathering in Houston in 2019. He shared how Trump (serving as president for the first term) readily agreed to accompany him around the filled stadium, despite security protocols. “His entire security detail was thrown off guard, but for me, that moment was truly touching,” PM said.
He also discussed Trump’s leadership approach as an assassination attempt was made on his life. “Even after being shot, he remained unwaveringly dedicated to America. His reflection showed his ‘America First’ spirit, just as I believe in Nation First,” the Prime minister added in his support for Trump.
Then, speaking about their initial encounter at the White House, PM Modi added, “He personally took me on a tour, explaining historical details without any notes. It showed how much he honored the presidency.”
The Prime Minister additionally mentioned that their cordial relationship continued after Trump’s presidency concluded, with Trump regularly sending his regards through common associates, calling it “a rare gesture”.
When asked about Trump’s remark that Modi is a “tougher and better negotiator,” the Indian leader downplayed the compliment saying, “It is very kind of him that he openly appreciates me on various occasions, and in different contexts. But about negotiation, I always put my country’s interests first. That’s why, in every forum, I speak up for India’s interests, not to harm anyone, but in a positive manner.”
PM Modi further assrted that Trump seems more prepared for a second term. “I have observed President Trump both during his first term and now in his second run. This time, he seems far more prepared than before. He has a clear roadmap in his mind with well-defined steps, each one designed to lead him toward his goals,” he said.
The Prime minister also acknowledged his most recent US visit, where he met several prominent figures, including Elon Musk, Tulsi Gabbard, and Vivek Ramaswamy, describing the atmosphere as warm and family-like. Speaking about Musk, he mentioned knowing him since his time as Gujarat’s chief minister. “With his DOGE mission, he is incredibly excited about its progress,” he said.
This comes amid key negotiations between US and India over tariffs. Trump in recent past has addressed India’s tariffs, stating that trading with India is extremely difficult due to high tariff rates. He noted that India has agreed to reduce its tariffs, attributing this to increased scrutiny of their trade practices. However, government told a parliamentary panel that no commitments on the issue had been made and it has sought time until September to address the issue that is being repeatedly flagged by the American president.
