New Delhi, March 16 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a conversation with podcaster Lex Fridman on Sunday, said every effort by India to establish peace with Pakistan had been met with hostility and betrayal.
He recalled inviting then-Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to his 2014 swearing-in ceremony, describing it as a sincere attempt to reset relations.
“We sincerely hope that wisdom prevails upon them and they choose the path of peace,” Modi said, adding that even Pakistani citizens “long for peace” as they are exhausted by unrest and terrorism.
Reflecting on his first term, Modi noted his diplomatic initiatives did not yield the expected results.
“It was a diplomatic gesture unlike any in decades. Those who doubted my foreign policy approach were taken aback when I invited all SAARC heads of state,” he said, crediting former President Pranab Mukherjee for recognizing the significance of the moment in his memoirs.
“This was a testament to how clear and confident India’s foreign policy had become,” Modi added. “The world saw our commitment to peace, but the desired outcome never came.”
On Trump’s Leadership
Modi also addressed his relationship with former U.S. President Donald Trump, describing him as a leader with an “unwavering” commitment to America.
He praised Trump’s resilience, particularly in the face of assassination attempts, and said the two share a strong bond.
2002 Riots and Political Narratives
Discussing the 2002 Godhra riots, Modi claimed a “fake narrative” had been created around the incident.
He pointed out that Gujarat had witnessed over 250 riots before 2002, yet none since. He also mentioned the global rise in terrorism at the time.
“Our government does not engage in vote-bank politics. We follow ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas,’” he said, stating that efforts were made to tarnish his reputation after the riots.
“But in the end, justice prevailed, and the courts cleared my name.”
