'My country is my high command; I was inspired by Gandhiji's ideas in my youth'; Modi on Lex Fridman podcast

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in an interview with American podcaster Lex Fridman, emphasised that his strength lies not in the name "Modi" but in the Indian people. During the podcast, he praised US President Donald Trump for his bravery. Modi also shared how Gandhiji's ideas inspired him to go on his first hunger strike as a child.

"Criticism is the soul of democracy. I welcome all criticism, as it helps us improve. My strength comes from the 140 crore people of India. I will responsibly and happily take on opportunities for peace efforts. Trump is a person of extraordinary courage, and I share a mutual trust and strong relationship with him. People often accept the assessments of the media. People do not understand things directly. Third-party intervention often makes things problematic.

He continued, "I prioritise the national interest on every platform. This responsibility has been entrusted to me by the people. My country is my high command. When I assumed power in 2014, I worked to eliminate the harmful practices affecting the nation. Previously, welfare schemes were misused, with benefits going to the undeserving. For instance, even unmarried individuals received widow pensions. These wrong practices have been eradicated, and direct assistance is now provided to those who truly deserve it. I was able to redirect 30 lakh court funds, previously misallocated, to the rightful beneficiaries."

Modi also touched on India's relationship with China, stating, "India's relations with China will remain strong and are expected to grow in the future. Differences of opinion are natural between neighbouring countries."