10 highlights from PM Modi’s podcast with Lex Fridman: Pakistan’s betrayal, Gujarat riots, power, poverty & more

Lex Fridman Podcast with Modi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi appeared in the Lex Fridman podcast, which was released on Sunday. In a three-hour conversation, PM Modi spoke about his childhood, personal discipline, diplomacy, leadership, and his relationships with global leaders, including US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

Sunday’s episode of the Lex Fridman podcast is PM Modi’s second podcast appearance. Earlier, in January, Modi had a discussion with Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath in a podcast.

Here are 10 highlights from the Lex Fridman podcast with Modi:

Prime Minister Modi began his conversation with Lex Fridman by recalling when he was picked as the prime ministerial candidate by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2013 ahead of 2014 Lok Sabha Elections. Amid criticism, Modi said, people want to know about my experience on foreign policy.

1. India’s and global peace

“I was asked this question in every interview. I gave a very well-thought-out answer at the time. I said, “I won’t lay out my entire foreign policy in an interview, nor is it needed.” That said, India will neither allow itself to be looked down upon, nor will it ever look up to anyone. India will now see eye-to-eye with her counterparts. This was my belief in 2013, and it still lies at the heart of my foreign policy,” Modi said in the Lex Fridman Podcast.

For me, the country always comes first., Modi said. “However, to belittle someone or speak ill of others is neither part of my cultural values nor my traditions. Moreover, our culture upholds and advocates for the welfare of mankind,” Modi said.

Modi said India always championed the ideas of global peace and brotherhood. “For centuries, we have envisioned the world as one big family. Our noble ancestors envisaged the welfare of the whole world and universe, and that’s why you must have noticed, the nature of our conversations as well as the ideas that I have presented on the global stage, which are rooted in respect and positivity,” he said.

2. Early life and poverty

PM Modi said in the Lex Fridman Podcast that his early life was spent in extreme poverty.

“But we never really felt the burden of poverty. You see, someone who is used to wearing fine shoes will feel their absence when they don’t have them, but for us, we had never worn shoes in our lives. So how would we even know that wearing shoes was a big deal? We weren’t in a position to compare. That’s just how we lived,” he said.

3. On Pakistan’s betrayal

Modi recalled inviting Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to his 2014 swearing-in ceremony as Prime Minister of India to turn over a new leaf. Yet, he said, 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. I believe even the people of Pakistan long for peace,” Modi said on relations with Pakistan.

4. Criticism is the soul of democracy

PM Modi said in Lex Fridman podcast that he welcomes criticism. “I have a strong belief that criticism is the soul of democracy. I want to tell all the young people the following. No matter how dark the night may seem, it is still just night, and morning is bound to come,” Modi said in response to questions on criticism mostly around the 2002 Gujarat riots.

5. No major riot in Gujarat after 2002

PM Modi said in Lex Fridman’s podcast that the perception that these were the biggest riots ever is actually ‘misinformation’, listing earlier bigger riots in Gujarat, including the one in 1969 that lasted nearly six months.

“But that one tragic incident in 2002 became a sparking point, leading some people towards violence. Yet, the judiciary thoroughly investigated the matter. At that time, our political opponents were in power, and naturally they wanted all allegations against us to stick. Despite their relentless efforts, the judiciary analysed the situation meticulously twice and ultimately found us completely innocent. Those who were truly responsible have faced justice from the courts,” Modi said in the Lex Fridman’s podcast

But the most important thing is, Modi said, Gujarat has been peaceful in last 22 years.

‘But after 2002, in 22 years, there hasn’t been a single major riot in Gujarat. Gujarat remains completely peaceful. Our approach has always been to avoid vote bank politics. We have shifted away from the politics of appeasement to the politics of aspiration. Because of this, anyone who wishes to contribute joins us willingly. We’ve continuously strived to turn Gujarat into a well-developed state. And today, Gujarat is actively contributing toward building a developed India as well,” Modi said.

6- On India’s football scene

Modi spoke about cricket and football in India and also mentioned how India while acknowledging that he was not an expert to comment on sports. “But sometimes the results speak for themselves. Just a few days ago, India and Pakistan played a match (which India won). The result reveals, which is the better team. That’s how we know,” he said,

When asked about his favourite football player, Modi mentioned about Shahdol district in Madhya Pradesh where a large tribal community resides. “

“When I got there, I noticed something fascinating. Around 80 to 100 young boys, kids and even some older youth all dressed in sports uniforms standing together. Naturally, I walked over to them. So I asked them, “Where are you all from?” And they replied, “We’re from mini Brazil.” I was surprised and said, “What do you mean by mini Brazil?” They said, “That’s what people call our village.” Curious, I asked, “Why do they call it mini Brazil?” They explained, “In our village, football has been played for four generations. Nearly 80 national-level players have come from here. Our entire village is dedicated to football.” They also told me when we host our annual football match, nearly 20,000 to 25,000 spectators come from nearby villages to watch,” Modi said in Lex Fridman Podcast.

7. Not to play power games

As far as power is concerned, it is something I have never bothered about, Modi said in Lex Fridman podcast.

“I entered politics not to play power games, but to serve. Rather than seeking power, I stay committed to doing and getting work done. I am more focused on productivity than power. I have always dedicated myself to serving the people. I have always devoted myself to bringing about a positive change in their lives,” Modi said.

8- On Russia-Ukraine war

PM Modi said in the Lex Fridman podcast that he has a close relationship with Russia and Ukraine alike. “I can sit with (Russian) President (Vladimir) Putin, and say that this is not the time for war And I can also tell (Ukraine) President (Volodymyr) Zelensky, in a friendly way, that brother, regardless of how many people stand with you in the world, there will never be a resolution on the battlefield. The resolution will only come when both Ukraine and Russia come to the negotiating table,” Modi said.

9. On President Trump

PM Modi said he has observed US President Donald Trump both during his first term (2017-21) and now in his second run. “This time, he seems far more prepared than before. He has a clear roadmap in his mind, with well-defined steps, each one designed to lead him toward his goals,” Modi said in the Lex Fridman podcast.

Modi said in the Lex Fridman podcast that  Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological mentor of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has over the past 100 years, dedicated itself with the discipline and devotion of a seeker. 

“I feel blessed to gain life’s values from such a sacred organization. Through the RSS, I found a life of purpose. Then I was fortunate to spend some time among the saints, which gave me a strong spiritual foundation. I found discipline and a life of purpose. And through the guidance of saints, I gained spiritual grounding. Swami Atmasthananda and others like him have held my hand throughout my journey, constantly guiding me at every step. The teachings of Ramakrishna Mission, Swami Vivekananda, and the service-driven philosophy of the RSS have played a crucial role in shaping me,”Modi said.