Modi expressed a sincere hope for wisdom to guide Pakistan’s decisions towards peace

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed that U.S. President Donald Trump appears to be “far more prepared” for his second term, equipped with a definitive strategy, during a podcast interview conducted weeks before the implementation of reciprocal tariffs by the United States.

India is among the countries that will be affected by these tariffs starting in April, which could pose challenges for its exporters across various sectors, including automobiles and agriculture.

Following a meeting between Modi and Trump last month, both nations committed to addressing tariff disputes and collaborating on the initial phase of a trade agreement by the fall of 2025, with the goal of achieving bilateral trade of $500 billion by 2030.

“This time, he seems far more prepared than before,” Modi remarked in a podcast with American computer scientist and podcaster Lex Fridman, which was released on Sunday, referring to Trump’s second term that commenced in January. “He has a clear roadmap in his mind with well-defined steps, each designed to guide him toward his objectives,” he added.

In the extensive three-hour discussion, Modi covered a range of topics, including diplomacy, artificial intelligence, and his early life, which Fridman described as one of the most “powerful” conversations he has experienced. Modi commended Trump for his graciousness and humility, highlighting the strong rapport between the two leaders. “His (Trump’s) reflections embody his ‘America First’ ethos, just as I advocate for ‘India First.’ This shared perspective is why we connect so well,” Modi stated.

INDIA’S NEIGHBORS

India’s relationship with China saw significant improvement last year, following the establishment of a key agreement aimed at reducing military tensions along their Himalayan border. This development came after discussions between Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Russia.

“Trust, enthusiasm, and energy will gradually return,” Modi remarked during a podcast, as both nations strive to restore their relationship to its pre-2020 state, prior to a military confrontation at the border. “However, this process will require time, given the five-year gap,” he noted, emphasizing that both countries aim to ensure their differences do not escalate into conflicts.

Regarding relations with its long-time rival Pakistan, Modi expressed optimism for a peaceful coexistence. “Every sincere effort to promote peace has been met with hostility and betrayal,” he stated, adding, “We genuinely hope that wisdom prevails and they opt for the path of peace.” The foreign ministries of both China and Pakistan did not respond to requests for comments from Reuters.