Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who secured a historic third term last year, commended President Donald Trump’s “America First” ethos, drawing parallels to his own “India First” philosophy. He highlighted Trump’s courage, decisiveness, and independent decision-making as qualities that left a lasting impression on him.
Embed from Getty ImagesIn a conversation with podcast host Lex Fridman, a prominent artificial intelligence (AI) researcher, PM Modi reminisced about the 2019 ‘Howdy, Modi’ event in Houston, where a particular gesture by Trump stood out. “We held the Howdy, Modi event in Houston, and President Trump joined me there. The stadium was completely packed, which was extraordinary for a political rally. While packed stadiums are common in sports, this was a significant moment for a political gathering,” PM Modi recalled.
He added, “The Indian diaspora had turned out in large numbers. Both of us delivered speeches, and afterward, President Trump sat in the audience, listening to me speak. That humility—the President of the United States sitting among the crowd while I spoke from the stage—was a remarkable gesture.”
PM Modi shared that after finishing his speech, he approached Trump to thank him and suggested they take a lap around the stadium. “Without hesitation, he agreed and walked with me. His security team was caught off guard. For me, that moment was deeply touching. It demonstrated his courage, his ability to make his own decisions, and the trust he placed in me to lead him into the crowd. That day, I witnessed a strong bond of mutual trust between us,” the Prime Minister said.
Reflecting on Trump’s resilience, PM Modi mentioned an incident during the recent campaign when Trump was shot. “Even after being shot, he remained steadfast and dedicated to America. His life is for his nation, and his ‘America First’ spirit mirrors my ‘India First’ approach. This is why we connect so well—our shared commitment to putting our nations first resonates deeply,” he emphasized.
PM Modi also recounted his first visit to the White House, where Trump broke away from formal protocols. “At the time, there was a lot of media coverage about President Trump, and the world had a certain perception of him. I, too, had been briefed in various ways before meeting him. But to my surprise, the moment I entered the White House, he set aside all formalities,” PM Modi said.
Embed from Getty Images“He personally gave me a tour of the White House, pointing things out himself without any notes, cue cards, or assistance. It was striking to see him so engaged and knowledgeable,” PM Modi added, highlighting Trump’s hands-on approach and personal touch.
Through these anecdotes, PM Modi underscored the qualities he admires in Trump—his humility, courage, decisiveness, and shared commitment to prioritizing their respective nations.
