NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a nearly three-hour conversation with AI researcher and podcaster Lex Fridman, delved into his views on leadership, diplomacy, and personal discipline. The episode, released Sunday evening, marks Modi’s second podcast appearance this year, following his January discussion with Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath.
‘My strength lies in 1.4 billion Indians‘
During the conversation, PM Modi emphasized the collective identity he represents as India’s leader. “My strength lies not in my name, but in the backing of 1.4 billion Indians and thousands of years of timeless culture and heritage. When I shake hands with a world leader, it’s not Modi, but 1.4 billion Indians doing so,” he said.
He highlighted India’s role in promoting global peace, citing figures like Gautama Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi. “India is the land of Buddha and Gandhi. We do not seek conflict; we stand for harmony. Wherever we can act as peacemakers, we embrace that responsibility,” he stated.
Early life and challenges
Reflecting on his upbringing, PM Modi spoke about experiencing extreme poverty. “We never felt the burden of poverty because we had no means of comparison. If you’ve never worn shoes, you don’t know what it’s like to miss them,” he said, underscoring the resilience of his early years.
Modi also discussed his diplomatic efforts, recalling how he invited Pakistan to his swearing-in ceremony as an olive branch. “We sincerely hope wisdom prevails and they choose peace,” he said, noting past attempts at fostering dialogue were met with hostility.
On dealing with criticism, the Prime Minister welcomed it, said, “Criticism is the soul of democracy. It helps refine governance and decision-making.”
On fasting: A discipline beyond just food
Fridman, who was fasting on water for two days in honor of the conversation, asked Modi about his own fasting habits. Modi shared that fasting has been an integral part of his life for over five decades, not just as a religious observance but as a means of inner discipline.
“Fasting is not just about giving up food. It sharpens the senses, accelerates thinking, and brings clarity. I see it as a powerful tool for balance and self-discipline,” PM Modi explained.
He described his long-standing practice of fasting during Navratri, where he abstains from food for nine days, consuming only hot water. “Even while fasting, I carry out my responsibilities as usual—meeting world leaders, managing governance, and making key decisions,” he added.
Modi also recalled his first fasting experience as a child, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s movement for cow protection. “I felt neither hunger nor desire for food—just a new awareness and energy,” he said, attributing his belief in fasting to personal experience rather than religious teachings.
Diplomacy and criticism
Discussing his approach to international relations, Modi mentioned his outreach to Pakistan at the beginning of his tenure, including inviting then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to his swearing-in ceremony. “We sincerely hope wisdom prevails and they choose peace,” he remarked, highlighting India’s consistent efforts toward regional stability.
On dealing with criticism, Modi stated that he welcomes it as an essential aspect of democracy. “Criticism refines governance and decision-making,” he said.
Advice to young people
“No matter how dark the night may seem, morning is bound to come.” This was the essence of the advice given, emphasizing patience and self-confidence. The message stressed that challenges are real, but they do not define an individual. Instead, difficulties serve as a test of endurance, strengthening personal growth rather than inducing despair.
The speaker highlighted the importance of unwavering faith, stating, “I am here for a purpose, sent by a higher power. And I am not alone; the one who sent me is always with me.” The emphasis was on embracing hardships as opportunities for growth. A key lesson shared was, “There are no shortcuts in life. Shortcut will cut you short.” Patience, perseverance, and dedication were underscored as the pillars of success.
Additionally, the speaker encouraged a mindset of continuous learning, stating, “One should never let the student within them die.” The importance of striving to contribute rather than merely accumulating wealth was also highlighted. A shift from focusing on what one can gain to what one can give was recommended, reinforcing the belief that true fulfillment stems from contributions to society.
Journey in the Himalayas
During a period of self-exploration, the speaker spent two years roaming the Himalayas, leading a minimalist, nomadic existence. This phase was marked by rigorous self-experimentation, testing physical endurance against natural elements. Reading about Swami Vivekananda and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj inspired a quest to understand their way of life and personal discipline.
An impactful lesson was drawn from Swami Vivekananda’s experience with Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. Vivekananda, urged by Ramakrishna to seek blessings from Goddess Kali for his ailing mother, found himself unable to ask for anything. This realization shifted his focus from receiving to giving. The story left a deep impression, reinforcing the idea that “true contentment comes from giving.”
A philosophical takeaway from this journey was the recognition of non-duality: “If you wish to serve Shiva, serve all living beings.” The belief in the unity between the divine and humanity was a profound realization gained from this period of reflection and exploration.
India: A civilization beyond borders
PM Modi emphasized that India is not just a geographical entity but a civilization that has thrived for thousands of years. “India is a cultural identity. It is a civilization that dates back thousands of years,” he said, highlighting the vast linguistic and cultural diversity across the country.
Modi pointed to shared traditions that unify Indians despite regional differences. “From the south to the north, you will see immense diversity. But if you dig a little deeper, you will find a common thread,” he explained, using the example of Lord Ram’s presence across different parts of India.
He also spoke about the importance of rituals in preserving India’s historical continuity. “We invoke the entire universe before beginning any ritual, from Jambudweep to Bharatkhand, Aryavrat, and finally to our specific family deity. This practice is still alive in every corner of India,” he noted.
Mahatma Gandhi’s influence and the freedom struggle
Reflecting on Mahatma Gandhi, Modi acknowledged his deep personal connection with the leader as a fellow Gujarati. “Gandhi had great opportunities abroad, but he gave up all comforts to serve the people of India,” Modi remarked, stressing Gandhi’s ability to turn ordinary citizens into participants in the freedom movement.
He recounted how Gandhi transformed simple acts, like weaving cloth or tending to lepers, into symbols of India’s independence struggle. “He viewed every task as a vital thread in the fabric of India’s independence movement,” Modi said, adding that the Salt March was an example of how Gandhi mobilized the masses through nonviolent resistance.
India’s approach to global leadership
The podcast also explored India’s growing influence in world affairs. When asked about balancing power and diplomacy, Modi dismissed the idea of ruling by fear. “My strength lies not in my name, but in the backing of 1.4 billion Indians and thousands of years of timeless culture and heritage,” he asserted.
He further stressed that India’s foreign policy is guided by its civilizational ethos rather than a pursuit of dominance. “Wherever I go, I carry with me the essence of thousands of years of Vedic tradition,” he remarked.
The conversation provided deep insights into Modi’s vision of India as a cultural and geopolitical force, rooted in its past yet shaping the future on the global stage.
‘He walked with me into the crowd’: PM Modi on his bond with Trump
In a recent interview, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recounted a memorable moment with former US President Donald Trump, highlighting their mutual trust and strong bond.
Reflecting on the 2019 ‘Howdy Modi’ event in Houston, Modi recalled how Trump agreed without hesitation to walk with him around the packed stadium, despite security concerns. “His entire security detail was thrown off guard, but for me, that moment was truly touching,” Modi said.
He also drew parallels between Trump’s resilience following his recent assassination attempt and his leadership style. “Even after being shot, he remained unwaveringly dedicated to America. His reflection showed his ‘America First’ spirit, just as I believe in Nation First.”
Modi described his first meeting with Trump at the White House, emphasizing Trump’s deep respect for American history. “He personally took me on a tour, explaining historical details without any notes. It showed how much he honored the presidency,” Modi noted.
The Indian PM also mentioned that even after Trump left office, their friendship remained strong, with Trump often conveying greetings through mutual acquaintances.
When asked about Trump’s remark that Modi is a “tougher and better negotiator,” the Indian leader downplayed the compliment, calling it Trump’s “graciousness and humility.”
On India-China relations
Modi underscored the long-standing historical and cultural ties between India and China, noting that both civilizations once accounted for over half of the world’s GDP. “For centuries, India and China have learned from each other. Our relationship should remain just as strong in the future,” he said.
Addressing border tensions, Modi acknowledged the 2020 clashes but pointed to recent progress. “After my meeting with President Xi, we have seen a return to normalcy at the border. We are working to restore conditions to pre-2020 levels. Trust will take time, but we are committed to dialogue,” he stated.
He also stressed the need for healthy competition rather than conflict. “The 21st century is Asia’s century. India and China should compete naturally, not confrontationally,” he said.
On global conflicts
Modi expressed concern over escalating global tensions, including conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and US-China relations. “Covid exposed the limitations of every nation. Instead of learning from it, the world has become more fragmented,” he remarked.
He criticized the failure of international organizations like the UN to enforce global rules. “Institutions meant to maintain stability are losing relevance. Those who ignore laws face no consequences,” he said.
Advocating for a shift from expansionism to cooperation, Modi reiterated, “The world is interdependent. No nation can stand alone. The only way forward is peace and development.”
Fridman’s reflection on Modi’s leadership
Fridman, an AI researcher and popular podcaster, described the conversation as one of the most powerful of his life, calling Modi “one of the most fascinating human beings” he has studied.
Fridman praised Modi’s leadership, describing him as a leader who has united a diverse and complex nation. “He is respected globally, even by nations at odds with each other,” Fridman noted, referencing Modi’s diplomatic ties with the US, China, Russia, and the Middle East.