PM Modi Hails ‘Resilient’ Trump, Says He’s ‘Far More Prepared’ In 2nd Term As US President
PM Modi shared several incidents of Modi-Trump meeting at White House, 2019’s Howdy Mody event where Trump threw off security for a walk with him.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in an interaction with AI researcher Lex Fridman in a podcast, opened up about his friendship and bond with US President Donald Trump.
The prime minister shared several incidents of Modi-Trump meeting at White House, 2019’s Howdy Mody event where Trump threw off security for a walk with him, and others.
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Trump ‘Far More Prepared’ In 2nd Term
In the podcast, PM Modi emphasised that Trump seems to be “far more prepared" as compared to his first stint as US President.
“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.
When asked about his recent visit to the US and meetings with Vice President JD Vance, DOGE head Elon Musk, and others, PM Modi said that the team is fully capable of implementing Trump’s vision.
“I also had the chance to meet members of his team, and I truly believe he has put together a strong, capable group and with such a strong team, I feel they are fully capable of implementing President Trump’s vision based on my interactions with them. I met several people, Tulsi Gabbard, Vivek Ramaswamy, Elon Musk, and there was a family-like atmosphere, everyone had come with their families," he said.
Trump Threw Off Security
In the podcast, PM Modi recalled a moment from the Howdy Modi event in US’ Houston, where he shared the stage with Trump. He said that the event was highly memorable for him as a large Indian diaspora had gathered for the event.
“We had an event in Houston, Howdy Modi. Both President Trump and I were there and the entire stadium was completely packed. A massive crowd at an event in the US is a huge moment. While packed stadiums are common in sports, this was extraordinary for a political rally. The Indian diaspora had gathered in large numbers," PM Modi said.
He further praised Trump on how a US President, remarkable gesture, sat in audience to listen to him.
“Both of us delivered speeches and he sat down below listening to me speak. Now, that’s his humility. The President of the United States sitting in the audience while I spoke from the stage, that was a remarkable gesture on his part," he added.
He further recounted how, after addressing the gathering, he approached Trump to suggest they walk around the stadium to greet attendees.
“I went to him to thank him, and casually said that if you don’t mind why don’t we take a lap around the stadium," PM Modi said. “There are so many people here, let’s walk, wave, and greet them," he added.
PM Modi highlighted the strict security protocols in the US and said that such a request was unusual. “In American life, it is almost impossible for a president to walk around in the presence of thousands of people," he said.
He further said that Trump agreed without hesitation and began walking with him, surprising his security detail.
“His entire security detail was thrown off guard, but for me that moment was truly touching. It showed me that this man had courage. He makes his own decisions, but also he trusted me and my lead in that moment enough to have walked with me into the crowd. It was that sense of mutual trust, a strong bond between us that I truly witnessed on that day and the way I saw President Trump that day walking into a crowd of thousands without even asking security, it was truly amazing," he added.
PM Modi Stresses ‘Nation First’ Like Trump
PM Modi drew a parallel between himself and Trump while speaking about the last year’s assassination attempt on the US President.
“When Trump was shot during a recent campaign before the US elections, I saw the same resilient and determined President Trump, the one who walked hand in hand with me in that stadium," he said.
“Even after being shot, he remained unwaveringly dedicated to America. His life is for his nation. His reflection showed his America first spirit, just as I believe in India first. I stand for India First, and that’s why we connect so well. These are the things that truly resonate," he added.
Trump survived an assassination attempt during his campaign rally in Pennsylvania on July 13, 2024.
PM Modi On Trump Calling Him A Tough Negotiator
PM Modi stated that it is Trump’s magnanimity to call him a tough negotiator and appreciating him on various platforms. For Trump, it is America first, and for Modi, it is always Bharat first.
PM Modi said that on all platforms he stands firm with India’s interest on top, without intending any harm to others.
“It’s his graciousness and humility, 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 interest, not to harm anyone but in a positive manner and because of that, no one takes offense. People know that if Modi is present, he will strongly advocate for these things. After all, the people of India have given me this responsibility. For me, my nation is my high command and I will always honour their will," he said.
He said that by keeping nation’s interests on priority he is just fulfilling the expectation of 140 crore Indians who have bestowed this responsibility upon him.
PM Modi On Elon Musk, DOGE
PM Modi further spoke about his meeting with Tesla CEO Musk during his last month’s US visit and said that since he knew him fir a long time, the atmosphere in the meeting felt warm and friendly. He said that he held discussions on various topics.
“As for Elon Musk, I have known him since my time as chief minister. He was there with his family and children, so naturally the atmosphere felt warm and friendly. Of course, we had discussions and we talked about many different topics."
PM Modi also spoke about Musk’s DOGE mission and highlighted that he also aimed to eradicate deep-rooted issues and harmful practices that have crept in when he took the PM office in 2014.
“Now, with his DOGE mission, he is incredibly excited about how it’s progressing and honestly, it makes me happy too because when I took office in 2014, I wanted to free my country from the deep-rooted issues and harmful practices that have crept in, and I’ll continue striving to eliminate as many of them as I possibly can. For example, after I took office in 2014, I observed that back then we weren’t part of many global discussions, not like how President Trump and DOGE are being talked about today."
Highlighting key governance reforms, PM Modi said that after taking office, his government identified and removed 10 crore fake beneficiaries from welfare schemes, ensuring benefits reached the right people through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), saving Rs 3 lakh crore. Additionally, his administration scrapped 1,500 obsolete laws and more than 45,000 compliances to streamline governance.
PM Modi’s conversation with Fridman is his second appearance in podcasts. This is his first appearance in a podcast hosted by an international personality. Earlier in January this year, he appeared in a podcast with Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath.
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