In a rare moment of international Brotherhood, U.S. President Donald Trump recently shared a podcast featuring Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his social media accounts. This podcast, recorded with American YouTuber Lex Fridman, aired live on Sunday, and while Trump didn’t add a caption to the post, the message behind it is clear: a strong and lasting bond between two world leaders.
During the interview, Prime Minister Modi shared personal insights about his friendship with Trump, emphasizing their unshakable trust. When asked about the relationship between them, Modi expressed, “There’s an unbreakable trust between Trump and me. While we may not meet face-to-face often, we always keep in touch—both directly and indirectly.”
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Trump’s Steadfast Support and Modi’s Trust
Modi didn’t just talk about the political ties between the two countries; he spoke about a personal connection that has deepened over time. Reflecting on his visit to the U.S. in February 2017, Modi said that Trump, as president, has always demonstrated a deep level of trust in him.
What struck Modi was presidents unique approach to leadership. He shared a memory of the 2019 “Howdy Modi” event in Houston, where Modi and Trump stood side by side in front of a crowd of 80,000 Indian-Americans. Modi recalled how, despite being the most powerful man in the world, president chose to sit in the crowd and listen to his speech. “That was such a special moment for me. Here’s the U.S. President, sitting among the crowd, just listening. It’s not something you see often.”
After the speech, Trump suggested they take a walk around the stadium, a gesture that Modi said was almost unheard of for a sitting U.S. president. “Trump didn’t hesitate for a second. He walked with me, among thousands of people, without any security barriers,” Modi said. For him, this was a moment that spoke volumes about Trump’s character—his bravery and his willingness to connect on a personal level.
Healthy Competition: Modi’s Vision for India-China Relations
The interview also touched on Modi’s thoughts about India’s relationship with China. Modi suggested that while competition between the two nations is inevitable, the focus should be on fostering collaboration, not confrontation. “Instead of focusing on conflict, we should aim for healthy competition and work together where possible,” Modi said, emphasizing that both countries should encourage dialogue to build a stable future for the region.
Chinese media also took note of Modi’s comments, with Global Times quoting an expert who praised the Indian leader’s perspective as practical and positive. The expert said, “Modi’s approach reflects a spirit of cooperation alongside competition, which can strengthen the relationship between the two nations.”
A Moment of Solidarity
Modi also shared his admiration for Trump’s resilience, especially following a shooting incident during his election campaign. “When he was shot, I saw the same person who had held my hand in Houston,” Modi reflected. “Even after the attack, Trump remained focused on serving his country. His determination and unwavering spirit are qualities that I deeply respect.”
Modi went on to draw parallels between their approaches to leadership. While Trump champions the idea of “America First,” Modi emphasized that his own guiding principle is “India First.” He said, “Both of us believe in putting our countries first, and that’s why our relationship works so well.”
