Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s podcast with MIT researcher Lex Fridman offered a rare glimpse into his views on India’s foreign policy, particularly in relation to Pakistan, China, and global institutions like the United Nations. This was after a long time that the PM sat for an interview and so was enlightening as to India’s approach to a deeply uncertain world. The PM talked at length about India’s relationship with Pakistan, a topic that he otherwise has studiously avoided in recent years. He recounted that his efforts to improve relations with Pakistan which included inviting the then Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif to his swearing-in ceremony in 2014 – had been met with hostility and acts of terror.
The PM has more or less elaborated the central government’s policy towards Islamabad since 2014 when the BJP government took power. Although there have been efforts to kickstart an engagement between the two nations, they have been swiftly aborted following a violent incident either in Kashmir or in other parts of the country which were traced to Pakistan. Last such attack which put a complete break on dialogue was on the Pathankot air force base in 2016 which killed seven soldiers. After that, New Delhi never pursued a dialogue with Pakistan with any seriousness.
In one of his interviews during the last year’s parliamentary election campaign, PM Modi made it clear that India “shouldn’t bother much about Pakistan and whether it changes its approach or not.” He added that for the past 10 years he had put a lock on Pakistan being a factor in running India. “Let Pakistan manage two square meals. We don’t need to waste our time,” he remarked, hinting at Pakistan’s dismal state of affairs.
As for China, the PM struck a cautious note. Over the years, India has developed a complex relationship with its more powerful neighbour. China is a neighbour, a rival and also a great power, with a GDP that is several times more than that of India’s. He expressed optimism that the relationship with China was improving following his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in October, saying they were now working to restore conditions to how they were before 2020.
However, the PM stressed his personal bond with the US president Donald Trump, saying both of them prioritize ‘Nation First’ approach. Considering their bonhomie from Trump’s first term, the two leaders are likely to get along well. The interview shows India’s foreign policy as a blend of pragmatism and long-term vision. Overall, Modi’s remarks reflect a foreign policy that is increasingly self-assured—one that prioritizes India’s strategic interests while maintaining a firm stance on regional security and global partnerships.
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