Gangtokian News Desk: On March 16, 2025, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined Lex Fridman for a three-hour podcast, marked by excessive praise and minimal scrutiny. Hosted by the American AI researcher and podcaster, the episode showcased Fridman’s admiration for Modi, leaving key issues unaddressed.
Fasting as a Gesture
Fridman opened by revealing he had fasted for nearly two days—45 hours—drinking only water to honor Modi’s occasional fasting practice. “I wanted to get into the right mindset,” he explained, gesturing to his stomach as proof. Modi, a lifelong celibate, responded by guiding Fridman through a Hindu prayer, after the host expressed interest in the Gayatri mantra.
This exchange set the tone: Fridman’s efforts leaned heavily on reverence rather than inquiry. Critics might argue it bordered on performative, yet it aligned with the podcast’s uncritical lens.
Modi’s Vision of Journalism
Modi offered a metaphor for journalists, urging them to emulate honeybees, not flies. “A fly sits on filth and spreads it,” he said. “A honeybee gathers nectar from flowers and stings only wrongdoers.” The analogy, delivered to Fridman’s nods, implied a call for positive reporting.
Yet, Modi’s media engagements rarely feature stinging critiques. A 2023 report by Reporters Without Borders ranked India 161 out of 180 for press freedom, citing suppressed dissent. Fridman sidestepped this, leaving Modi’s claim unchallenged.
Unquestioned Ties with Trump
Modi emphasized his bond with U.S. President Donald Trump, painting him as “far more prepared” for his second term with a “strong, capable team.” This came despite Trump’s recent tariffs, projected by India’s Commerce Ministry to cost exporters $2 billion annually, and mass deportations affecting Indian citizens.
“Modi’s optimism about Trump overlooks trade realities,” said Dr. Arvind Panagariya, an economist at Columbia University. “India faces tangible losses.” Fridman, however, focused on warm visuals of the leaders, bypassing these tensions.
Praise for Musk and DOGE
Modi extended compliments to Elon Musk and the DOGE initiative, linking its philosophy to his governance. “I’ve known Musk since my Gujarat days,” he noted, despite Tesla’s declining sales in Europe amid backlash. Analyst Sarah Klein from Bloomberg remarked, “Modi’s endorsement contrasts with market trends—Tesla’s losing ground there.”
Fridman, a known Musk associate, let this pass without probing its relevance or accuracy.
Viewership Disparity
Released in multiple languages via AI-generated voices, the podcast drew 1.32 million views on Fridman’s YouTube channel (4.6 million subscribers), outpacing 407,000 views on Modi’s channel (27.3 million subscribers). The gap suggests Fridman’s audience found more appeal, though neither figure reflects broad engagement.
Missed Opportunities
Modi shared a story of Vivekananda and goddess Kali, emphasizing spiritual inspiration. Yet, a richer tale—Vivekananda’s epiphany at Kashmir’s Kheer Bhawani temple—went untold. There, the monk questioned his protective instincts, only to hear Kali ask, “Do you protect me, or do I protect you?” It marked his shift to universalism.
Fridman, fixated on flattery, skipped such depth. He also ignored Modi’s past controversies, like the 2002 Gujarat riots or his “pup” remark, despite touting the leader’s sympathy for all.
A Broader Critique
“Modi favors platforms where control is assured,” said veteran journalist Rajdeep Sardesai. “Podcasts like Fridman’s offer softballs, not scrutiny.” With dissenters jailed or mired in legal battles—over 70 journalists faced cases in 2024 per the Free Speech Collective—this interview reinforced that pattern.
The podcast, while polished, left readers with surface-level insights. Modi’s outreach to Trump’s America via Fridman’s platform prioritized optics over substance, a choice unchallenged by his host.
Also Read: Modi, Trump Agree on Trade Reforms Amid Evolving US-India Partnership
Gangtokian Web Team, 20/03/2025