In a conversation with Lex Fridman, PM Modi emphasizes historic ties, border issues, and the path forward.
March 16, 2025: 📌 New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reaffirmed India’s commitment to fostering stable and cooperative ties with China, emphasizing the importance of dialogue over discord. In a conversation with MIT scientist and podcast host Lex Fridman, PM Modi reflected on the historical, cultural, and economic ties between the two nations, acknowledging past tensions while pushing for a future of collaboration.
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💬 “The relationship between India and China isn’t new. Both nations have ancient civilizations and have contributed significantly to global progress. Historically, we have learned from each other, and we continue to do so in modern times,” PM Modi said.
🔹 India & China: A History of Cooperation, Not Conflict
PM Modi recalled that at one point, India and China together accounted for over half of the world’s GDP. He highlighted Buddhism’s influence on Chinese culture, originating from India, as a symbol of historical cooperation rather than conflict.
💬 “If you look back centuries, there’s no real history of conflict between us. It has always been about learning and understanding.”
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🚨 On the 2020 Border Clashes
PM Modi acknowledged the 2020 border tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), which halted peace efforts between the two nations.
🔹 “Yes, border disputes exist. The 2020 incidents created significant tensions. However, after my recent meeting with President Xi, we have seen a return to normalcy at the border.”
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🔹 “We are working toward restoring pre-2020 conditions. Slowly but surely, trust, enthusiasm, and energy will return.”
🏗️ The Road Ahead: Competition, Not Conflict
PM Modi underlined his vision for a healthy competition between India and China, dismissing the idea of rivalry turning into hostility.
💬 “The 21st century is Asia’s century. We want India and China to compete in a natural and healthy way. Competition is not bad—it drives innovation. But it should never turn into conflict.”
🔹 He also compared international relations to family dynamics, saying, “Even within a family, not everything is always perfect. But we work through differences with dialogue.”
📍 Key Takeaways:
✔️ India & China share deep historical ties, shaped by trade, culture, and learning.
✔️ Border tensions of 2020 disrupted relations, but recent talks aim to restore normalcy.
✔️ India seeks a cooperative future with China, focusing on competition over conflict.
✔️ PM Modi stresses diplomatic solutions over disputes for global stability.
Conclusion:
India and China, as two of the world’s largest economies, must find common ground for global peace and progress. While past border disputes remain a challenge, PM Modi believes that dialogue, cooperation, and economic collaboration will shape the future of both nations.
Tags:
PM Modi Lex Fridman podcast, India-China relations, India China border dispute, Narendra Modi Xi Jinping meeting, 2020 Galwan clashes, global diplomacy, Asia’s economic rise, India foreign policy.