Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a conversation with podcaster Lex Fridman, shared insights into his strong rapport with former US President Donald Trump. Modi described Trump as a man of courage who takes his own decisions without hesitation. Reflecting on the 2019 Howdy Modi event in Houston, Modi recalled how Trump’s humility stood out when he chose to sit among the audience while the Indian leader addressed the gathering. “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,” Modi said.
The prime minister also recounted a moment that caught US security officials off guard. During the event, he spontaneously invited Trump to take a walk around the packed stadium to greet the audience and Trump agreed without hesitation. “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 he also trusted me enough to follow my lead at that moment,” Modi remarked.
“It was that sense of mutual trust, a strong bond between us that I truly witnessed on that day,” he added.
Discussing Trump’s second term, Modi noted that the President seemed “far more prepared than before” and had a “clear roadmap with well-defined steps toward his goals”. He praised Trump’s ability to assemble a strong and capable team, expressing confidence in their ability to execute his vision.
The conversation also touched upon Trump’s resilience, particularly after surviving an assassination attempt during his campaign. Modi saw this as a testament to Trump’s unwavering commitment to his nation. “Even after being shot, he remained unwaveringly dedicated to America. His life was for his nation. This showed his America First spirit, just as I believe in nation first ‘? India first,” the prime minister said.