Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his hopes for peaceful bilateral relations with Pakistan during an exclusive interview on the Lex Fridman Podcast. Modi recalled how his goodwill gestures, including inviting then-Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to his swearing-in ceremony in 2014, were met with hostility and betrayal.
“Yet, every noble attempt at fostering peace was met with hostility and betrayal. We sincerely hope that wisdom prevails upon them and they choose the path of peace,” the Prime Minister said. He highlighted the struggles of the people of Pakistan who long for peace amidst unrest and terrorism.
India-China Relations: Strengthening Cooperation for Global Stability
Modi addressed India-China relations, emphasizing that while differences exist, they must not escalate into disputes. Referring to his recent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, he stated, “After my recent meeting with President Xi, we have seen a return to normalcy at the border. We are now working to restore conditions to how they were before 2020.”
He underscored that India and China, as two ancient civilizations, have a shared history of cultural and economic exchanges. “Since the 21st century is Asia’s century, we want India and China to compete in a healthy and natural way. Competition is not a bad thing, but it should never turn into conflict,” he remarked.
PM Modi on His Relationship with Donald Trump
Reflecting on his camaraderie with former US President Donald Trump, Modi lauded his courage and dedication to the US. “He has a clear roadmap in his mind with well-defined steps, each one designed to lead him toward his goals,” he stated. Modi recalled Trump’s willingness to engage with Indian communities, as demonstrated at the 2019 ‘Howdy Modi’ event in Houston.
2002 Gujarat Riots: Modi on Allegations and Judicial Vindication
Modi refuted allegations surrounding the 2002 Gujarat riots, calling them an attempt at misinformation. He reiterated that court investigations had cleared his name despite his political opponents in power trying to hold him accountable. “Despite their relentless efforts, the judiciary analyzed the situation meticulously twice and ultimately found us completely innocent,” he said.
RSS and Modi’s Spiritual Foundation
The Prime Minister attributed his values and dedication to the teachings of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). “I feel blessed to have got values from such a sacred organization,” Modi said, describing how the RSS instilled in him a spirit of service and nationalism.
Modi’s Humble Beginnings: Lessons from Childhood
In a heartfelt reflection, Modi shared details about his early life spent in poverty. He reminisced about polishing his white canvas shoes with chalk paste, highlighting his mother’s emphasis on cleanliness and discipline. “My early life was spent in extreme poverty, but we never really felt the burden of poverty,” he said.
Spiritual Wisdom: Modi on Swami Vivekananda’s Teachings
PM Modi credited Swami Vivekananda’s teachings for shaping his perspective on selfless service. “From Vivekananda, I learned that true fulfillment comes not from personal achievements but from selfless service to others,” he noted. He recounted his time at the Ramakrishna Paramahansa Ashram, where he found guidance from saints and spiritual leaders.
Gayatri Mantra and India’s Spiritual-Scientific Legacy
During the podcast, Lex Fridman recited the Gayatri Mantra, seeking Modi’s approval of his pronunciation. Modi, in turn, explained the mantra’s deep connection with spirituality and science. “Gayatri Mantra is deeply rooted in Surya Upasana and carries a profound spiritual essence,” he stated.
Conclusion
The Prime Minister’s discussion on the Lex Fridman Podcast shed light on India’s diplomatic efforts, global standing, and his personal philosophy. His emphasis on peace, cooperation, and selfless service resonated deeply, reinforcing his vision of India as a strong, peaceful, and spiritually rich nation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his hopes for peaceful bilateral relations with Pakistan during an exclusive interview on the Lex Fridman Podcast. Modi recalled how his goodwill gestures, including inviting then-Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to his swearing-in ceremony in 2014, were met with hostility and betrayal.
“Yet, every noble attempt at fostering peace was met with hostility and betrayal. We sincerely hope that wisdom prevails upon them and they choose the path of peace,” the Prime Minister said. He highlighted the struggles of the people of Pakistan who long for peace amidst unrest and terrorism.
India-China Relations: Strengthening Cooperation for Global Stability
Modi addressed India-China relations, emphasizing that while differences exist, they must not escalate into disputes. Referring to his recent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, he stated, “After my recent meeting with President Xi, we have seen a return to normalcy at the border. We are now working to restore conditions to how they were before 2020.”
He underscored that India and China, as two ancient civilizations, have a shared history of cultural and economic exchanges. “Since the 21st century is Asia’s century, we want India and China to compete in a healthy and natural way. Competition is not a bad thing, but it should never turn into conflict,” he remarked.
PM Modi on His Relationship with Donald Trump
Reflecting on his camaraderie with former US President Donald Trump, Modi lauded his courage and dedication to the US. “He has a clear roadmap in his mind with well-defined steps, each one designed to lead him toward his goals,” he stated. Modi recalled Trump’s willingness to engage with Indian communities, as demonstrated at the 2019 ‘Howdy Modi’ event in Houston.
2002 Gujarat Riots: Modi on Allegations and Judicial Vindication
Modi refuted allegations surrounding the 2002 Gujarat riots, calling them an attempt at misinformation. He reiterated that court investigations had cleared his name despite his political opponents in power trying to hold him accountable. “Despite their relentless efforts, the judiciary analyzed the situation meticulously twice and ultimately found us completely innocent,” he said.
RSS and Modi’s Spiritual Foundation
The Prime Minister attributed his values and dedication to the teachings of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). “I feel blessed to have got values from such a sacred organization,” Modi said, describing how the RSS instilled in him a spirit of service and nationalism.
Modi’s Humble Beginnings: Lessons from Childhood
In a heartfelt reflection, Modi shared details about his early life spent in poverty. He reminisced about polishing his white canvas shoes with chalk paste, highlighting his mother’s emphasis on cleanliness and discipline. “My early life was spent in extreme poverty, but we never really felt the burden of poverty,” he said.
Spiritual Wisdom: Modi on Swami Vivekananda’s Teachings
PM Modi credited Swami Vivekananda’s teachings for shaping his perspective on selfless service. “From Vivekananda, I learned that true fulfillment comes not from personal achievements but from selfless service to others,” he noted. He recounted his time at the Ramakrishna Paramahansa Ashram, where he found guidance from saints and spiritual leaders.
Gayatri Mantra and India’s Spiritual-Scientific Legacy
During the podcast, Lex Fridman recited the Gayatri Mantra, seeking Modi’s approval of his pronunciation. Modi, in turn, explained the mantra’s deep connection with spirituality and science. “Gayatri Mantra is deeply rooted in Surya Upasana and carries a profound spiritual essence,” he stated.
Conclusion
The Prime Minister’s discussion on the Lex Fridman Podcast shed light on India’s diplomatic efforts, global standing, and his personal philosophy. His emphasis on peace, cooperation, and selfless service resonated deeply, reinforcing his vision of India as a strong, peaceful, and spiritually rich nation.