PM Modi opens up on India-China relations, RSS, and 2002 Gujarat riots—7 key takeaways from Lex Fridman's podcast

In a highly anticipated podcast with popular US-based podcaster and computer scientist Lex Fridman, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday spoke about leadership, diplomacy, the RSS, and his childhood struggles.  

During the nearly three-hour-long conversation, PM Modi addressed key foreign policy issues, emphasising that India-China cooperation is crucial for global peace and prosperity. He also slammed Pakistan’s links to global terrorism, accusing Islamabad of responding with hostility to his efforts to mend relations. In his conversation with Fridman, PM Modi touched on a range of key topics, from India’s global standing to his personal journey and relationships with world leaders.  

Here are 7 key highlights from PM Modi's podcast with computer scientist Lex Fridman: 

1. India-China ties: A more stable atmosphere has resulted from discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping, and the India-China border has returned to normalcy, PM Modi said when discussing India-China ties with Fridman during the podcast. He praised the two most populous countries' ties while pointing out that neighborly disputes are frequent.  He also mentioned how the two civilizations had a long history of cultural relations, sharing knowledge and rarely clashing.

2. Pakistan and terrorism: PM Modi reiterated India’s stance on Pakistan, claiming it of being a hub for terrorism. He said that while India has made multiple attempts to foster peace, they were met with hostility. “I hope wisdom prevails, and Pakistan abandons the path of terrorism,” he said.  

3. Bond with Trump: PM Modi emphasised that both he and US President Donald Trump share a belief in prioritising their nations. He mentioned the strong bond he has with Trump and reminisced about Trump’s support during the ‘Howdy Modi’ event. Modi also noted that Trump seems more prepared with a clear plan in his second term.

4. Russia-Ukraine war: Sticking to his message that “war is not the solution,” Modi said he has urged both Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy to seek peace. “I have good ties with both. I can tell President Putin this is not the time for war, and I can also tell Zelenskyy, no matter how much global support you have, a battlefield won’t bring a resolution,” he said.  

5. Early life struggles: PM Modi talked candidly about working at his father's tea stand and living in poverty as a child.  He attributes the development of his leadership abilities and perspective to his early life. He shared a childhood experience of using chalk to polish his canvas shoes, highlighting his lifelong emphasis on self-reliance and discipline.  

6.  PM Modi-RSS connection: He acknowledged the influence of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in his life, describing it as an organisation dedicated to national service and discipline.  

7. 2002 Gujarat riots: Dismissing allegations against him, Modi said courts had cleared him, but a false narrative was built for political reasons. He pointed out that Gujarat, which once saw frequent riots over minor issues like kite-flying contests, has remained riot-free since 2002.  

(With inputs from agencies)