Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his podcast interview with Lex Fridman shared about his relationship with United States President Donald Trump.
PM Modi said that he shared a bond of mutual trust with President Trump. "We connect well because we believe in putting our respective national interests above everything else," he said.
Modi also talked about Trump's assassination bid. While appreciating Trump's "unwavering" dedication to America, Modi lauded the President's resilience and determination.
"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.
Responding to Fridman's question about how he would describe Trump as a friend and as a leader, Modi recalled the 'Howdy Modi' event in 2019.
Trump's gesture to sit in the audience was a "remarkable one", he said. "That's his humility," Modi added.
"He has a clear roadmap in his mind with well-defined steps, each one designed to lead him toward his goals," Modi said on Trump's second term as President.
Modi also recalled his visit to the White House for the first time to meet Trump. He said Trump had broken all formal protocols as he stepped into the White House. "He personally took me on a tour of the White House," said Modi.
Though Modi and Trump had not met in person for years, he said that communication, both direct and indirect--closeness and trust, "remained unshaken" between both leaders.
While reacting to Fridman's question about the PM being called a better negotiator by Trump, Modi reacted by saying it was the President's "graciousness and humility" to say it.
When it comes to negotiation, Modi said he always puts India's interests first.
