March 17, 2025 – It was a leap forward for digital diplomacy when Prime Minister Narendra Modi got onto Truth Social, a social media network founded by United States President Donald Trump.
Truth Social further lobbed a link to Modi’s interview with Lex Fridman in a respectful welcome of PM Modi’s new advent on the platform. The Indian leader posts pictures of him and Trump together.
Modi’s Inaugural Post
On Monday, he posted two major updates through his Truth Social. In the First ‘Truth,’ PM Modi said: “Thrilled to be on Truth Social! Can’t wait to connect with all the passionate voices here and have some meaningful conversations as we move forward.”
He further attached to it a somewhat melancholic photograph from the ‘Howdy Modi’ event, among the two very leaders tightly interlocking their hands in a show of partnership, held in Houston, Texas, in September 2019.
The second post featured a link to PM Modi’s recent podcast. The podcast was discussed with the most famous podcaster, computer scientist Lex Fridman. Discussion points varied from a problematic three-and-half-hour talk on Modi’s life journey. Additionally, India’s view on civilization today and significant problems of the globe.
Trump’s Engagement
Modi further clarified that this interview would give his followers a much deeper insight into his mind and heart. He said that in comparison to any media interview or statement. An essence of mutual respect and personal camaraderie between the two great statesmen was also introduced.
PM Modi’s announcement stated: “Thank you, my friend, President Trump; I shared varied subjects ranging from my journey in life to India’s outlook of civilization, global challenges, and much more.”
It is a veiled but heavy representation of their deep friendship and commitment to open engagement.
The ‘Howdy Modi’ Event
The Year 2019 in Houston, Texas, witnessed the celebrity event ‘Howdy Modi’ to herald a pivot in syncretism between the White House and India. This momentous occasion beneath Astro’s domes was the convergence of over 50,000 desi people.
It warmly conferred upon both leaders the shared values and objectives beyond borders. That duly stated that the chemistry ties underlay Modi’s PM responsibilities should be strengthened. Consequently, polished off President Trump’s crown.
The Lex Fridman Podcast
Within the premises of the Lex Fridman podcast, Prime Minister Modi reminisced about the accounts regarding his bonding with Trump. He recounted some moments wherein trust and respect prevailed between them.
Modi counted how, on the first instance, Trump opted not to wait as standard security decorum demanded an escort and instead chose to go for a stadium lap around.
Digital Diplomacy
It netted in moments during ‘Howdy Modi,’ one that locked deep inside his heart. He complimented Trump for having a chance to withstand an assassination attempt. Therefore, a parallel is drawn between Trump’s steadfast devotion to the American nation and Modi’s ‘Nation First’ tagline.
He contemplated the analogy that stateside, like Trump, India had Modi presenting in the space of national interests as staying India Firsthoisting up the relationship. Modi’s joining Truth Social becomes indicative of digital diplomacy.
Modi mixes and matches by talking about a unique and direct one-on-one with President Trump. On the latter’s platform by kicking the message out to the masses regarding how meaningful personal relationships are in international relations.
In this modern take on diplomacy, there is an arc where the modern leaders act transparently via smartphones, edging out other leaders to frame and bind together the world’s capitals.
