Trump’s Truth Social Post Signals Continued Alliance

On Monday,March 17,2025,Donald Trump amplified prime Minister Modi’s voice to his American audience by sharing the three-hour Lex Fridman podcast on Truth Social.This action underscores the enduring rapport between the two leaders, despite Trump no longer holding office. The timing of the post is notably noteworthy, given the ongoing geopolitical shifts and the U.S.’s strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region. This digital endorsement carries weight, suggesting a continued alignment of interests and potentially influencing future political discourse within the U.S.

modi’s Perspective: “Far More Prepared” and “Unwaveringly Dedicated”

During the podcast, Prime Minister Modi spoke at length about his personal connection with Trump, emphasizing the former president’s “humility” and “resilience.” Modi stated that Trump seemed “far more prepared” compared to his first term, suggesting a deepened understanding of the complexities of the presidency. This observation, coming from a seasoned global leader, offers a unique perspective on Trump’s potential future role in American politics.

Modi also highlighted Trump’s unwavering commitment to the U.S., even in the face of adversity. “His life was for his nation,” Modi said. “His reflection showed his America First spirit,just as I believe in nation first. I stand for india first and that’s why we connect so well.These are the things that truly resonate.” This “nation first” alignment is a cornerstone of their relationship, resonating with many Americans who prioritize domestic interests in an increasingly globalized world.It also reflects a broader trend of nationalist leaders finding common ground on the international stage, a phenomenon that has shaped international relations in recent years.

This sentiment echoes the “America first” policies that defined Trump’s presidency, a strategy that, while controversial, resonated with a significant portion of the American electorate. modi’s endorsement of this approach, albeit within the context of “India First,” highlights a shared understanding of prioritizing national interests in a complex global landscape.

Recalling “Howdy Modi”: A Moment of Trust and courage

Modi fondly recalled the “Howdy Modi” event in Houston, Texas, where both leaders addressed a massive crowd. He recounted an instance where Trump walked with him into the audience without hesitation, a gesture that deeply impressed the Indian Prime Minister.

“In American life, it’s almost unfeasible for the President to walk into a crowd of thousands, but without even a moment’s hesitation, he (Trump) agreed and started walking with me. His entire security detail was thrown off guard, but for me that moment was truly touching,”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Modi further elaborated on the importance of that moment: “It showed me that this man had courage. He makes his own decisions,but also he trusted me and my lead in that moment enough to have walked with me into the crowd. It was that sense of mutual trust, a strong bond between us that I truly witnessed on that day and the way I saw President Trump that day walking into a crowd of thousands without even asking security, it was truly amazing.”

This anecdote highlights the personal chemistry between the two leaders and suggests a level of trust that transcends typical diplomatic relations. For U.S. readers,it provides a glimpse into Trump’s leadership style and his willingness to defy convention,traits that both endeared him to his supporters and drew criticism from his detractors. The “Howdy Modi” event itself was a significant moment in U.S.-India relations, showcasing the growing ties between the two countries and the influence of the Indian diaspora in the United States.

First Impressions: Breaking Protocols at the White House

Modi also shared his memories of his first meeting with Trump at the White House, noting how Trump promptly broke protocol by personally giving him a tour. “The very moment I stepped into the White House, he broke all formal protocols right away. And then, he personally took me on a tour of the White house,” Modi said.

He added, “As he showed me around, I noticed something striking, he wasn’t holding any notes or cue cards, nor was anyone accompanying him to assist. he pointed things out himself.” This personal touch,according to Modi,set the tone for their relationship. This departure from traditional diplomatic formalities is characteristic of trump’s approach to leadership, often prioritizing personal connections and direct communication over established protocols.

Unwavering Friendship Despite Political Shifts

Prime Minister Modi emphasized that his bond with Trump remained strong even after the change in U.S. administration. “Whenever someone we both knew met him, and this must have happened dozens of times, he would say, ‘Modi is my friend, convey my regards.’ That kind of gesture is rare,” Modi stated.

This continued affirmation of their friendship, even after Trump left office, suggests a deep-seated respect and affection that goes beyond political expediency. It also hints at the potential for continued collaboration between the two leaders in the future, nonetheless of their official positions. This enduring connection could have implications for future U.S.-India relations,notably if Trump were to return to a position of political influence.

Trade and Defense: Modi as a “Tough Negotiator”

During their meeting in the Oval Office in February, trade and defense were key topics of discussion. Trump had previously described Modi as a “tough negotiator”, a characterization Modi addressed in the podcast.

“It is indeed very kind of him that he openly appreciates me on various occasions and in different contexts,” modi said.”But when it comes to negotiations, I always put my country’s interests first. That’s why in every forum, I speak up for India’s interest, not to harm anyone but in a positive manner and as of that, no one takes offense.”

This statement reflects the delicate balance that Modi strives to maintain – advocating for India’s interests while fostering positive relationships with other world leaders. It also underscores the importance of trade and defense cooperation between the U.S. and India, two of the world’s largest democracies. The U.S. has long sought to strengthen its strategic partnership with India as a counterweight to China’s growing influence in the region, and trade and defense cooperation are crucial components of this strategy.

Implications for U.S.-India Relations

Trump’s decision to share Modi’s podcast on Truth Social carries significant implications for U.S.-India relations.It signals a continued interest in maintaining strong ties with India, even outside of formal diplomatic channels. This could potentially influence future policy decisions and shape the broader geopolitical landscape. The relationship between the U.S. and India has become increasingly important in recent years, driven by shared concerns about regional security, economic growth, and democratic values.

For U.S. readers, this growth highlights the importance of understanding the dynamics between these two influential leaders and the potential impact on American interests in the Indo-Pacific region. As the U.S. navigates an increasingly complex world, strong partnerships with key allies like India will be crucial for maintaining stability and promoting shared values. the Indo-Pacific region is a critical area for U.S. foreign policy, and a strong relationship with India is seen as essential for maintaining a balance of power in the region and promoting American interests.