Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a recent interview on the Lex Fridman podcast, strongly criticised Pakistan for its continued hostility towards India. He recalled that despite his sincere efforts to improve relations, every attempt at fostering peace was met with betrayal.
Modi pointed out that in 2014, he invited then-Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to his swearing-in ceremony, hoping for a fresh start in India-Pakistan relations. However, he said that those efforts did not yield the expected results.
The Prime Minister expressed hope that wisdom would eventually prevail among Pakistan’s leadership. He stated that even the people of Pakistan desired peace, as they were weary of constant conflict, unrest, and terrorism.
Modi emphasised that India had always prioritised peace and stability in the region but was often met with hostility in return. He reiterated that dialogue and mutual understanding were the only ways to achieve lasting peace between the two nations.
During the podcast, Modi also spoke about former US President Donald Trump, praising his unwavering commitment to America.
He commended Trump’s resilience, particularly in the wake of last year’s assassination attempts, and noted that he shared a strong personal bond with the former president. Modi described Trump as a determined leader who always put his country first.
Modi also addressed the longstanding allegations regarding the 2002 Gujarat riots. He claimed that a false narrative was deliberately spread to tarnish his image. According to him, Gujarat had witnessed over 250 riots before 2002, with communal violence being a recurring issue.
He stressed that since 2002, the state had not experienced a single such riot, highlighting the progress made under his leadership. Modi asserted that his government operated on the principle of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas," ensuring equal opportunities and development for all.
He noted that despite attempts to malign his reputation, justice ultimately prevailed, and courts cleared him of any wrongdoing.
The Prime Minister also discussed India’s relationship with China, acknowledging that differences were inevitable between two neighbouring nations.
However, he insisted that such disagreements should never escalate into disputes. Modi emphasised the need for continued dialogue and cooperation to maintain stability in the region.
He expressed optimism that the trust and enthusiasm in India-China ties would gradually return, as tensions had persisted for over five years due to the border standoff.
Relations between India and China soured after violent clashes in the Galwan Valley in May 2020, leading to a prolonged military standoff.
However, in October 2023, India and China reached an agreement on patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, marking a significant step towards resolving the conflict.
Modi mentioned that his recent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping had contributed to restoring normalcy at the border.
He underscored that there was no historical record of direct conflicts between the two nations and that their deep-rooted cultural ties should serve as a foundation for better cooperation.
Highlighting the significance of India-China relations, Modi stressed that both countries should engage in healthy competition without allowing rivalries to escalate into conflicts.
He reiterated that the 21st century belonged to Asia and that a strong partnership between India and China was essential for global stability and prosperity.
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