The North News
New Delhi, March 17
US President Donald Trump has shared a link to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s interview with AI researcher and podcaster Lex Fridman on his Truth Social account. The discussion covered Modi’s past interactions with Trump, India’s governance reforms, and global leadership.
During the conversation, Modi recalled the 2019 “Howdy Modi” event in Houston, where he and Trump addressed a packed stadium. He praised Trump’s humility, recalling how the President sat in the audience during his speech before joining him for a lap around the venue. Modi also spoke of Trump’s resilience, referencing last year’s assassination attempt and his ability to make bold decisions under pressure.
Reflecting on his first visit to the White House, Modi recalled Trump breaking protocol to personally guide him through the historic residence, showcasing his deep respect for American history. Modi emphasized their strong communication and mutual trust, which remained intact even when Trump was out of office.
The Indian prime minister also addressed Trump’s compliment about his negotiation skills, attributing it to Trump’s humility. He underscored that his approach prioritizes India’s interests while maintaining diplomatic goodwill.
Beyond their relationship, Modi spoke about his recent engagements with high-profile figures like Elon Musk, Tulsi Gabbard, Vivek Ramaswamy, and JD Vance, describing the interactions as warm and constructive. He shared his long-standing connection with Musk, expressing admiration for the entrepreneur’s enthusiasm for innovation.
Modi detailed key governance reforms since taking office in 2014, including eliminating 100 million fake or duplicate welfare beneficiaries, implementing direct benefit transfers to curb corruption, and launching the GeM portal to streamline government procurement. He also highlighted the repeal of 1,500 obsolete laws and the removal of 40,000 unnecessary compliance measures to improve efficiency. These efforts, he said, have positioned India as a global topic of discussion, akin to pioneering technological missions.
