Modi's New Digital Endeavor on Truth Social
In a fascinating development, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stepped into the world of Truth Social, a platform owned by former US President Donald Trump. With his debut on March 17, 2025, Modi not only joined this social media space but immediately caught the attention with a notable post. He shared a photo from the 'Howdy, Modi' event held in Houston back in 2019, an event where Modi and Trump celebrated their growing camaraderie before a massive crowd. Expressing excitement about interacting with users, Modi's entry seemed well-calibrated to foster engagement.
Interestingly, Modi chose to follow only two individuals initially—Trump himself and US Vice President JD Vance. This deliberate selection highlights the close political ties and mutual admiration shared between Modi and Trump, as well as a possible strategy to align with certain conservative figures in the US political landscape. His presence gained traction rapidly, with over 24,000 followers within just 24 hours of his entry. It’s clear that Modi's foray into this platform has made a pivotal impact.
The Lex Fridman Podcast and Modi's Strategic Connections
Modi's engagement went a step further when he acknowledged Trump for promoting a significant piece of content: his three-hour long appearance on the Lex Fridman podcast. During this extensive conversation, Modi delved deep into crucial facets of his leadership, such as India's foreign policy, his personal journey, and even revisiting the contentious period of the 2002 Gujarat riots. The podcast elucidated Modi's diplomatic strategies and his rapport with Trump, shedding light on a relationship that is built on mutual trust and a shared vision of nation-first ideals.
The timing of Modi's involvement with Truth Social is intriguing, given the platform's financial backdrop. Despite Trump's backing, the platform reportedly struggled in 2024, suffering a $400 million loss. Built upon the open-source Mastodon framework, the platform intended to prioritize free speech, yet it confronted challenges in achieving widespread international success.
Modi's posts, especially the podcast-related one, seem tailored to resonate with conservative audiences in the US, who have shown keen interest in the way he handles international diplomacy and governance. The 'Howdy, Modi' event, recalled fondly by many, symbolizes a defining moment in the Indian-US diplomatic relationship. The nuanced revelations in his podcast further cement his image as a leader attentive to both historical context and future trajectories.
As Modi continues his journey on this platform, the content he shares could potentially pave new avenues in digital diplomacy, offering fresh insights into how global leaders can engage with audiences in innovative ways.
