PM Modi Recalls Trump’s Unscripted Walk at ‘Howdy Modi’ Event

PM Modi Podcast: During a conversation with US podcaster and AI researcher Lex Fridman, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reminisced about a remarkable moment from the Howdy Modi event in Houston. 

Sharing the stage with US President Donald Trump, PM Modi recalled the electrifying atmosphere created by the vast Indian diaspora and an unexpected break from protocol.  

After his speech, PM Modi suggested to Trump that they take a walk around the stadium to greet the attendees. “I casually proposed, ‘Why don’t we take a round of the stadium and acknowledge the people?’” he shared. 

Given the tight security regulations surrounding US presidents, such a request was highly unconventional.  

Surprisingly, Trump agreed instantly, stepping away from his security detail and walking alongside PM Modi. “His security team was caught off guard, but that moment stood out for me. It reflected his confidence and spontaneity,” PM Modi noted.  

Drawing a connection between this incident and Trump’s resilience after last year’s assassination attempt, PM Modi said, “When Trump was shot during his campaign, I saw the same determined leader—the one who had once walked with me in that stadium. His unwavering commitment to his country mirrors my belief in putting India first. That’s why we connect so well.”  

Trump survived the assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania rally on July 13, an attack that claimed the lives of a spectator and the gunman.  

This marks PM Modi’s second podcast appearance, following his discussion with Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath last month.