Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken a step that caught the attention of both political insiders and social media enthusiasts—joining Truth Social, a platform often associated with Donald Trump. Modi's official entry onto this space began with a striking post featuring a photograph capturing the camaraderie between him and former US President Donald Trump. This image dates back to the memorable 2019 'Howdy Modi' event in Houston, a moment etched in global political history for its powerful display of US-India relations.
In his debut message on the platform, Modi expressed his enthusiasm for this new avenue of engagement. He extended gratitude to Trump, not just for their past collaboration, but for sharing a podcast interview—one that delves into Modi's journey and India's global perspective. This podcast, hosted by Lex Fridman, allowed Modi to touch upon the civilizational outlook of India, a topic that he frequently champions.
Taking a glance at Modi's current engagements, he shared insights from an encounter with Tulsi Gabbard, the US Director of National Intelligence. Gabbard's visit to India marks another chapter in the ongoing dialogue between the two nations. Modi's presence on Truth Social, alongside following key figures like Trump and Vice President JD Vance, underscores a selective yet strategic connection strategy, capturing over 24,000 followers in no time.
Truth Social, since its launch in 2022 by Trump Media & Technology Group, has positioned itself as a 'free speech' platform. However, it has faced challenges in amassing a user base to rival larger networks like X. Most of its audience comprises US conservatives, and Modi's entry into this realm stands out as a rare instance of international leadership engagement.
The decision to engage on Truth Social is as much about optics as it is about outreach. For Modi, it's an opportunity to embrace a unique communication channel that speaks to a specific demographic, aligned closely with Trump's base. This move also sparks curiosity about future collaborations and the broader implications for India-US relations. Will Modi's presence energize Truth Social, or will it remain a niche platform fighting to expand its influence? Only time will tell how this digital venture influences the political discourse across borders.
