The huge takeaways–

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi talks, the nation pays attention which’s what took place when the Indian leader took a seat for an “epic three-hour podcast” with MIT scientist Lex Fridman on Sunday (March 16).

Speaking regarding the podcast, Fridman explained it as “one of the most powerful conversations” of his life. The 2 talked on a series of subjects as varied as PM Modi’s native home to India’s social heritage, and his organization with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

This was PM Modi’s 2nd podcast in his lengthy and fabled political profession– the PM had previously took a seat for a podcast with business owner and capitalist Nikhil Kamath in January.

If you missed out on the “epic” discussion, do not fret. Here are the largest minutes from the three-hour conversation that the PM had with Lex Fridman.

PM Modi and his youth

PM Modi opened regarding his very early life and his youth and reviewed his modest starts in his discussion withFridman He disclosed that a number of his life lessons he grabbed at his daddy’s tea delay and from his mommy that dealt with kids with natural home remedy.

He remembered in his conversation that he invested his youth in a tiny home without home windows where his moms and dads, brother or sisters, uncles, aunties and grandparents lived. “My early life was spent in extreme poverty, but we never really felt the burden of poverty,” claimed PM Modi, including, “Despite everything, these challenging circumstances of living in scarcity never left a mark on our minds.”

He included that he would certainly participate in institution without footwear. However, when his uncle became aware of this, he provided young Modi a set of white canvas footwear. Having got the footwear, Modi’s following concern was just how to maintain them tidy.

“In the evening, after school was over, I would stay back for a while. I would go from classroom to classroom, collecting leftover pieces of chalk that the teachers had discarded. I would take the pieces of chalk home, soak them in water, mix them into a paste, and polish my canvas shoes with it, making them bright white again,” he claimed.

“For me, those shoes were a treasured possession, a symbol of great wealth. And I don’t exactly know why, but from childhood, our mother was extremely particular about cleanliness. Perhaps that’s where we inherited that habit too,” Modi claimed.

PM Modi likewise opened regarding his daddy and the influence that he left on the Indian leader. “Every morning, around 4:00 or 4:30 am, he would leave the house, walk long distances, visit several temples, and then reach his stall. He described how his father’s traditional leather shoes made a distinct tock, tock, tock sound as he walked through the village.

“People in the village used to say that they could tell the time just by hearing his footsteps — ‘Oh yes, Mr. Damodar is on his way.’ Such was his discipline,” he remembered.

A terrific discussion with @lexfridman, covering a variety of topics. Do watch! https://t.co/G9pKE2RJqh

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 16, 2025

In his conversation with Fridman, PM Modi likewise opened regarding his deep link with the
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and just how it has actually instilled patriotic worths in him. He claimed he was appreciative that the organisation had actually provided him his life’s objective. He claimed he really felt honored to have actually found out life’s worths from a “sacred” organisation such as the RSS and also admired it for functioning given that 1925 to influence individuals to commit themselves to the nation.

Modi contrasted the RSS to the leftist Labour unions, stating: “Leftist unions say ‘Workers of the world, unite,’ but the RSS labour union says ‘Workers, unite the world.’ This reflects how the RSS instils its values in its approach.”

Modi opens on 2002 troubles

Among the numerous subjects covered throughout the conversation with Fridman, the 2002 Gujarat troubles were likewise reviewed with PM Modi stating that an incorrect story was developed yet the judiciary removed his name.

Modi claimed the understanding that the 2002 troubles were the largest troubles ever before in Gujarat was an effort to press false information. “If you review the data from before 2002, you will see that Gujarat faced frequent riots. Curfews were constantly being imposed somewhere. Communal violence would erupt over trivial issues such as kite flying contests or even bicycle collisions,” Modi claimed.

The head of state claimed the troubles in Gujarat in 1969 lasted for greater than 6 months which was a period when he was no place on the political perspective.

Modi claimed the
Godhra train burning occurrence happened hardly 3 days after he was chosen as a lawmaker of theGujarat Assembly He claimed that a phony story was spread out concerning the Godhra instance. “But, the courts investigated the matter thoroughly and found us completely innocent. Those who were truly responsible have faced justice from the courts,” he claimed.

The head of state claimed one of the most crucial point was that Gujarat, which made use of to witness physical violence nearly yearly, has actually not seen troubles given that 2002.

They have actually incomed a proxy battle versus us: PM on Pakistan

PM Modi likewise discussed diplomacy, India’s connections with its neighbors, specifically
Pakistan He explained to Fridman just how Pakistan has actually betrayed India regardless of initiatives to enhance connections.

“When I became prime minister, I specially invited Pakistan to my swearing-in ceremony so we could turn over a new leaf. Yet, every noble attempt at fostering peace was met with hostility and betrayal. We sincerely hope that wisdom prevails upon them and they choose the path of peace. I believe even the people of Pakistan long for peace because even they must be weary of living in strife and unrest, they must have grown weary of relentless terror where even innocent children are killed and countless lives are destroyed,” he claimed.

“My first attempt at improving bilateral relations was when I invited my Pakistani counterpart to my swearing-in. It was a gesture of goodwill. It was a diplomatic gesture unlike any in decades. The very people who once questioned my approach to foreign policy were taken aback when they learned I had invited all SAARC heads of state and our then president, Mr Pranab Mukherjee beautifully captured that historic gesture in his memoir. This was a testament to how clear and confident India’s foreign policy had become. This sent a clear message to the world about India’s commitment to peace and harmony, but we didn’t get the desired outcome,” the PM included.

The PM additionally mentioned that he thought that also the general public of Pakistan wished for tranquility since they would certainly likewise be tired of residing in rivalry where also innocent kids are eliminated and plenty of lives are ruined.

He likewise called out Pakistan’s long-lasting duty in promoting terrorism, stressing that the globe was no more unsure regarding where the origins of horror lie. Modi claimed that time and once more, Pakistan has actually become the epicentre of horror, triggering tremendous suffering not simply to India yet to the whole globe.

Modi included, “They have waged a proxy war against us.”

He likewise unconditionally mentioned that Pakistan’s activities aren’t an ideological background. “What kind of ideology thrives on bloodshed and the export of terror? And we are not the sole victims of this menace. Wherever terror strikes in the world, the trail somehow leads to Pakistan. Let’s take the September 11 attacks for example,” PM Modi claimed, describing just how Osama container Laden was discovered concealing in a home in Pakistan.

PM Modi’s AI forecasts

Another topic that the podcast covered was the subject of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its future. When inquired about just how India can become an AI leader, PM Modi claimed that regardless of what the globe performs with AI, it will certainly continue to be insufficient without India.

PM Modi clarified on his remark, stating, “I believe AI development is fundamentally a collaboration. Everyone involved supports one another through shared experiences and learning.”

Modi likewise claimed he thinks that with AI, “humans are now being forced to reflect on what it truly means to be human”.

“This is the real power of AI. Because of the way AI functions, it has challenged how we perceive work itself. But human imagination is the fuel. AI can create many things based on that and in the future, it may achieve even more. Still, I firmly believe that no technology can ever replace the boundless creativity and imagination of the human mind,” he claimed.

Modi on Russia-Ukraine battle

As the Russia-Ukraine battle enters its 4th year, Fridman asked Modi what his take on the dispute was and where India depended on the issue. To this, PM Modi reacted that India is not neutral yet securely dedicated to tranquility.

He claimed that the Russia-Ukraine dispute will just be settled when both sides sign up with the arrangement table, insisting that there can never ever be a resolution on the battleground.

Highlighting his great connections with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Modi claimed that he can prompt Russia that battle is not the remedy while advising Ukraine that field of battles do not bring genuine remedies.

“I have a close relationship with Russia and Ukraine alike. I can sit with President Putin and say that this is not the time for war. And I can also tell President Zelenskyy, in a friendly way, that brother, regardless of how many people stand with you in the world, there will never be a resolution on the battlefield,” Modi claimed.

He included, “The resolution will only come when both Ukraine and Russia come to the negotiating table. Ukraine may hold countless discussions with its allies, but it will bear no fruit. Discussions must include both parties.”

Modi-Trump’s bromance

When inquired about his bond with United States President Donald Trump, PM Modi claimed that the reason he and the United States leader attached so well is since they both place their nations initially. Modi claimed also after there was murder proposal on him throughout the marketing for the governmental political elections, he revealed no worry and “remained unwaveringly dedicated to America”.

“His life was for his nation. 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,” he claimed.

Fridman likewise asked him regarding what he suches as around Trump as a leader and good friend, while likewise on the head of state’s remark that Modi was a “much tougher, much better negotiator”.

To this, PM Modi remembered just how the United States head of state had actually strolled with him right into a group of thousands without also requesting safety and security at the ‘Howdy Modi’ occasion. He claimed it was a “truly touching” minute for him that he mirrored a feeling of common trust fund in between them. “In American life, it’s almost impossible 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,” he claimed.

Modi on fatality, power and fasting

The discussion in between Fridman and Modi likewise discussed thoughtful subjects such as fatality. When asked if he is afraid fatality, PM Modi claimed, “We know for a fact that life itself is a whispered promise of death and yet life is also destined to flourish. So again, in the dance of life and death, only death is certain, so why fear what is certain? That is why you must embrace life instead of fretting over death. That is how life will evolve and flourish, for it is uncertain.”

The PM likewise prompted individuals not to lose time troubling yet to transport their power right into enhancing their lives and adding favorably to the globe. The head of state emphasized that given that life doubts, every minute ought to be invested with objective, finding out and making a distinction.

Fridman likewise presented an inquiry to Modi regarding power and the significance of it to the PM. However, the PM claimed, “As far as power is concerned, it is something I have never bothered about.”

“I entered politics not to play power games, but to serve. Rather than seeking power, I stay committed to doing and getting work done. I am more focused on productivity than power. I have always dedicated myself to serving the people. I have always devoted myself to bringing about a positive change in their lives,” Modi claimed.

The 2 likewise talked about a fascinating, albeit unique subject– fasting. Fridman informed Modi that he not ate for 45 hours, eating just water, in honour of his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The PM likewise shared his viewpoint on fasting, stressing its advantages. He discussed that fasting is a clinical procedure as opposed to just avoiding dishes and is deeply attached to standard and Ayurvedic techniques.

With inputs from companies