PM Modi Expresses Hope for Peace with Pakistan, Cites Hostility and Betrayal in Efforts
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday emphasized his belief in fostering peace with Pakistan, despite repeated instances of hostility and betrayal. In a detailed conversation with US-based podcaster and computer scientist Lex Fridman, Modi reflected on his personal attempts at diplomacy and stressed that while India had always strived for better relations, Pakistan’s responses had been marked by aggression.
Prime Minister Modi recounted his 2014 gesture of inviting Pakistan’s then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to his swearing-in ceremony, hoping to open a new chapter of peace between the two nations. However, despite this sincere offer, Modi said that India’s efforts to build bridges were met with consistent hostility. “Every noble attempt at fostering peace was met with hostility and betrayal,” he remarked, expressing a wish for wisdom to prevail in Islamabad’s leadership.
The prime minister highlighted the suffering experienced by the people of Pakistan, noting that they, too, must be weary of the ongoing conflict, strife, and terrorism in their country. Modi pointed out that even innocent children in Pakistan have been victims of violence, and that peace was not only a desire for India but also for the people across the border.
Reflecting on his diplomatic approach, Modi explained that his first gesture towards improving relations with Pakistan was a unique one, different from anything seen in decades. He invited all heads of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) nations to his inauguration, including President Pranab Mukherjee, who later captured the significance of the gesture in his memoir. Modi believed this move sent a clear message to the world about India’s commitment to peace, though he acknowledged that the outcome did not align with the hoped-for results.
The prime minister also addressed Pakistan’s ongoing support for terrorism, making it clear that the global community no longer doubted where the roots of terrorism lay. Modi described Pakistan as the epicenter of terrorism, a source of immense suffering not just for India but for the world.
Referring to the shared history of India and Pakistan, Modi recalled how both nations fought side by side for independence and were united in their aspiration for freedom. However, after the partition of India in 1947, Modi reflected on the pain experienced by both nations and their people. He expressed disappointment that Pakistan, after gaining its own nation, chose not to live peacefully with India. Instead, it repeatedly engaged in a proxy war against India.
In his discussion, Modi condemned Pakistan’s reliance on violence and terrorism as a political ideology. He questioned the nature of an ideology that thrives on bloodshed, pointing out that the global trail of terror often leads back to Pakistan. He also referenced the 9/11 attacks, highlighting how Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind the attacks, was found hiding in Pakistan.
Despite the challenges, Modi reaffirmed India’s stance of peaceful coexistence and hoped that Pakistan would eventually choose the path of peace. The prime minister’s statements were part of a longer podcast, where he spoke candidly about India’s foreign policy, global relations, and regional challenges.
The conversation with Lex Fridman was part of a series of interviews with high-profile leaders and entrepreneurs, including US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and SpaceX founder Elon Musk, among others.
