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Amy Sood

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shed light on New Delhi’s delicate balancing act between China and the United States during a rare interview, indicating a thaw in relations with Beijing while reaffirming his strong personal ties with US President Donald Trump.
Modi acknowledged that ongoing border disputes between India and China had caused tensions, but expressed optimism that the relationship was improving following his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in October.
“It is true that there have been ongoing border disputes between us. And in 2020, the incidents along the border created significant tensions,” Modi said during an episode of the Lex Fridman podcast released over the weekend.
“However, after my recent meeting with President Xi, we have seen a return to normalcy at the border. We are now working to restore conditions to how they were before 2020,” he added.
Modi’s meeting with Xi on the sidelines of the Brics summit in Kazan last year marked their first in-person talks since the 2020 deadly border clash, which resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers.
The talks followed an agreement between China and India to enhance patrols along their shared Himalayan border, effectively de-escalating a four-year military stand-off.
“Of course, it will take some time, since there’s been a five-year gap,” Modi said. “Our cooperation isn’t just beneficial, it’s also essential for global stability and prosperity.”
“And since the 21st century is Asia’s century, we want India and China to compete in a healthy and natural way. Competition is not a bad thing, but it should never turn into conflict.”

The podcast interview was a rare appearance for Modi, who typically avoids press conferences and one-on-one media engagements.
In response to a question about Modi’s comments during a press conference on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said the “positive remarks on China-India relations” were “appreciated”.
She noted that the successful meeting between President Xi and Prime Minister Modi in Kazan last October provided strategic guidance for improving bilateral ties.
“China stands ready to work with India to implement the important common understandings between the two leaders,” she added, highlighting that this year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, which presents an opportunity for enhanced cooperation.
Following the 2020 border clash, India said that relations with China could not be normalised without border peace. Consequently, it severed direct air links, banned hundreds of Chinese apps, and tightened scrutiny on Chinese investments.
Officials from both sides have recently shown positive engagement, adjusting their relations, and have completed the withdrawal of troops from the final two stand-off points along their disputed border.
India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar said earlier this month that New Delhi was working with China to chart “a more predictable and positive course” for their relationship.
Meanwhile, Beijing has called for closer trade cooperation with New Delhi to counter growing US tariffs on Chinese and Indian goods.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that stronger economic ties and cooperation would accelerate “democratisation of international relations” and enhance the Global South’s development and strength.

Srikanth Kondapalli, dean of the School of International Studies and a professor of China studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University in India, noted that the statements by Modi and Wang showed a willingness to engage in dialogue to resolve issues.
However, there are differences, Kondapalli said. “For Modi, contentious issues need to be discussed peacefully. For Wang, the border issue should be set aside [to] develop other bilateral relations.”
“2020 shattered India’s confidence in China once again after 1962 border skirmishes. So border stability is the bottom line for India,” Kondapalli added.
“Strong bond” with Trump
During the interview, Modi also emphasised his close relationship with US President Donald Trump, although that bond will be tested by coming US tariffs on Indian goods next month.
Modi said Trump has shown an “America First spirit” that reflects his own “nation first” outlook.
“I stand for India first and that’s why we connect so well,” Modi said, noting that there was a sense of “mutual trust” and a “strong bond” that dates back to Trump’s first term.
The Indian Prime Minister was one of the first world leaders to meet Trump after he returned to the White House. Modi’s visit in February followed years of deepening ties between the US and India, which Washington had been cultivating as a regional counterweight against a more assertive China.

Modi also said that Trump appears “far more prepared” for his second presidential term.
“He has a clear road map in his mind with well-defined steps, each one designed to lead him toward his goals.” Modi said.
The praise comes despite India facing US tariffs starting April 2. To appease Trump, New Delhi planned to lower tariffs on American goods, including automobiles, certain agricultural items, and chemicals, according to Bloomberg.
Last week, Indian officials said they were in talks with Washington “to reduce tariffs and non-tariff barriers and enhancing supply chain integration”.
Meanwhile, China responded to Trump’s actions by imposing tariffs of up to 15 per cent on a range of US farm products.
Additional reporting by Bloomberg


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During a podcast, Modi acknowledged border disputes with China, but noted improved ties after meeting President Xi Jinping. He also praised Trump’s “America First” initiative


During a podcast, Modi acknowledged border disputes with China, but noted improved ties after meeting President Xi Jinping. He also praised Trump’s “America First” initiative.
