In a recent podcast interview with Lex Fridman, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended U.S. President Donald Trump for being “far more prepared” in his second term, noting he possesses a “clear roadmap” with well-defined steps toward his goals. This discussion precedes upcoming reciprocal tariffs from Washington, potentially impacting Indian exporters in sectors like automobiles and agriculture. Following their meeting last month, both leaders agreed to resolve tariff disputes and aim for $500 billion in bilateral trade by 2030.
Modi also highlighted a strong personal rapport with Trump, attributing it to their shared “nation first” philosophies—‘America First’ for Trump and ‘India First’ for himself. Additionally, Modi expressed optimism about improving relations with China after a recent agreement to reduce military tensions along their Himalayan border. He emphasized the importance of ensuring differences do not escalate into disputes, acknowledging that rebuilding trust will take time following a five-year gap in relations.
