March 16, 2025 – New Delhi: In an extensive three-hour podcast with American research scientist Lex Fridman, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed various geopolitical matters, particularly focusing on the relationship between India and China. During the podcast, which touched upon numerous pressing international issues, PM Modi shared his vision for the future of India-China relations, emphasizing the importance of healthy competition rather than conflict.

India-China Relations and Healthy Competition

PM Modi discussed how both India and China, with their ancient civilizations, should foster healthy and natural competition in the global landscape. He stressed that while competition is essential for both nations, it should never escalate into conflict. The prime minister’s words echoed India’s desire to resolve any differences with China in a diplomatic manner.

"We want India and China to compete in a healthy and natural way; competition is not bad but it should never turn into conflict. Our focus is to ensure differences don't turn into disputes; instead of discord, we emphasize on dialogue," PM Modi asserted during the conversation.

Fostering Dialogue and Returning to Normalcy

PM Modi also expressed hope that the tensions from the past five years would ease, as trust, enthusiasm, and energy are gradually returning to the bilateral relationship. The two countries have a long history of interactions, and Modi emphasized the need to rebuild the trust that was lost after the Galwan Valley confrontation in 2020. He added that border tensions are easing and that India’s focus remains on rebuilding relations with China through dialogue.

The 2020 Standoff and Diplomatic Breakthrough

The relationship between India and China soured after the Galwan Valley incident in May 2020, where a violent clash between the two countries’ forces resulted in numerous casualties. This triggered a four-year military standoff, significantly impacting the border situation. However, in October 2024, both countries reached an agreement regarding patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, marking a significant breakthrough. This agreement laid the groundwork for de-escalation and border disengagement.

Modi’s Optimism on Restoring Normalcy

Addressing questions about his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping, PM Modi expressed optimism that trust would be restored, particularly following their first meeting in five years during the 2024 BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia. Modi mentioned that their talks have helped pave the way for border disengagement and the return of normalcy at the border, and both leaders endorsed the patrolling agreement.

"We are now working to restore conditions to how they were before 2020," PM Modi added, signaling that both India and China are focused on restoring peace in the region.

Conclusion

PM Modi’s message in the podcast was clear: healthy competition between India and China is essential for their respective growth and global roles, but it must not cross the line into conflict. The government is prioritizing dialogue and peaceful solutions to resolve differences. His remarks reflect a positive shift in India-China relations, as both nations continue to work towards rebuilding trust and normalizing their ties after a challenging period.

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