India s Modi says Trump has clear roadmap in second term

NEW DELHI - US President Donald Trump was “far more prepared” for his second term and is furnished with a clear road map, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a podcast interview, weeks ahead of reciprocal tariffs planned by Washington.

India is among the trading partners set to face the tariffs from April, which threaten to cause distress to its exporters in industries from automobiles to agriculture.

After Mr Modi and Mr Trump met in February, the two nations agreed to resolve tariff rows and work on the first segment of a deal by the fall of 2025, aiming to reach two-way trade of US$500 billion (S$667 billion) by 2030.

“This time, he seems far more prepared than before,” Mr Modi said in a podcast with American computer scientist and podcaster Lex Fridman released on March 16, referring to Mr Trump’s second term, which began in January.

“He has a clear road map in his mind with well-defined steps, each one designed to lead him towards his goals,” he added.

During the discussion, which ran more than three hours, Mr Modi spoke on issues from diplomacy and artificial intelligence to his early life, in a conversation Dr Fridman called one of the most “powerful” of his life.

Mr Modi praised Mr Trump for his graciousness and humility, underlining a strong bond between the leaders.

“His (Trump’s) 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,” Mr Modi said.

Indias relations with neighbour China improved in 2024 after striking a milestone pact to lower military tension on their Himalayan border following talks between Mr Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Russia.

“Slowly but surely, trust, enthusiasm and energy will return,” Mr Modi said