Trump and I each put nation first, that’s our join: PM Modi | India Information – The Instances of India

NEW DELHI: Expressing admiration for Donald Trump’s braveness and resilience, PM Narendra Modi stated his join with the US president was that they each put nation first and had devoted themselves to the service of the nation.
“Even after being shot (July 2024), he remained unwaveringly devoted to America. His life was for his nation. Trump’s will to dwell and battle for the US even after being shot appeals to me as a result of this confirmed his America First spirit, simply as I consider in Nation First. I stand for India First and that’s why I join so effectively (with Trump),” the PM stated.
Modi’s emphatic endorsement of Trump in a podcast with Lex Fridman, widespread podcaster and analysis scientist at MIT, comes at a time US allies, notably Europe and Canada, are taking a heavy battering from the president who has been accused by a few of dragging America into isolationism together with his insurance policies.
India itself has been below menace from Trump’s tariff battle however is hoping for an exemption from the Apr 2 deadline for reciprocal tariffs, based mostly on a commerce deal it’s negotiating.

Trump was much more ready in his second time period, with a transparent roadmap and steps to realize his objectives, the PM stated, including that he had put collectively a “sturdy, succesful” crew to help him.
Within the podcast, Modi backed the current thaw in ties with China stated stated normalcy had returned to the border since his assembly with President Xi Jinping final 12 months, and that belief, enthusiasm and power would return in bilateral ties “slowly however certainly”. He stated efforts have been on to revive circumstances to how they have been earlier than 2020.
On Pakistan, whereas describing it because the epicentre of terrorism, Modi stated all Indian makes an attempt for a reconciliation had met with hostility and expressed hope Pakistan will select the fitting path as its folks deserved a future freed from violence.
On the Russia-Ukraine battle, Modi strongly reiterated India’s place that each international locations must return to the negotiating desk.
“I can inform President Putin this isn’t the period of battle. I also can inform President Zelensky that no matter how many individuals stand with you, there’ll by no means be a decision on the battlefield. Ukraine could maintain numerous discussions with its allies, however it should bear no fruit. Discussions should embody either side,” he stated, including the present state of affairs supplied a chance for significant talks between Russia and Ukraine. “I’m not impartial. I attempt for peace,” he stated, underlining India’s place and expressing concern about how the battle has harm the International South.
Requested about his relations with Trump, Modi appreciat ed the “belief” that the president has in him. “Even after being shot, he remained unwaveringly devoted to America. His life was for his nation. Trump’s will to dwell and battle for the US even after being shot appeals to me as a result of this confirmed his America First spirit, simply as I consider in Nation First. I stand for India First and that’s why I join so effectively (with Trump),” the PM stated.
Requested what he appreciated about Trump, Modi recalled that the US president, throughout his first time period, had ignored safety protocol and agreed to his request to take a lap across the stadium internet hosting the ‘Howdy Modi’ occasion in Houston. “I used to be touched by his braveness and his belief in me,” he stated.
On Trump describing him as a troublesome negotiator, Modi stated he at all times places India’s pursuits first. “That’s why in each discussion board, I communicate up for India’s curiosity, to not hurt anybody however in a optimistic method and due to that, nobody takes offence,” he stated.
On China, Modi stated variations between the 2 international locations have been pure however “our focus is on making certain these don’t flip into disputes”. “As a substitute of discord, we emphasise dialogue for constructing cooperative relationship. After my assembly with President Xi, we’re seeing a return of normalcy to the border. We at the moment are working to revive circumstances to how they have been earlier than 2020. Slowly however certainly, belief, enthusiasm and power will return,” he stated.
“After all, it should take a while due to the five-year hole. Our cooperation is important additionally for world stability and prosperity. For the reason that twenty first century can be Asia’s century, we wish India and China to compete in a wholesome means. Competitors is just not a nasty factor however it ought to by no means flip right into a battle,” he added.