In a move that has caught global attention, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has officially joined Truth Social, the social media platform owned by former U.S. President Donald Trump. This development follows Trump’s recent podcast interview with Lex Fridman, where he spoke about Modi’s leadership and the growing partnership between India and the U.S.
In This Article:
PM Modi’s first post on Truth Social, thanking Trump for his kind words, has sparked discussions worldwide about its strategic, diplomatic, and technological significance.
PM Modi’s First Post on Truth Social
Shortly after joining the platform, Modi posted a message thanking Trump for his remarks during the Lex Fridman Podcast. He wrote:
“Thank you, my friend, for your kind words. The India-U.S. relationship continues to strengthen through mutual respect and collaboration.”
This post received widespread engagement, with thousands of users responding with appreciation. Within hours, Modi’s profile gained significant traction, showing the global interest in his online activities.
Trump’s Response: Strengthening U.S.-India Ties
Former U.S. President Donald Trump responded warmly, calling Modi a “visionary leader and a great friend of the United States.” He highlighted that Modi’s presence on Truth Social would contribute to greater global discussions between two of the world’s largest democracies.
This exchange signifies a strong diplomatic relationship that extends beyond formal government interactions, highlighting a new era of direct global engagement between leaders through digital platforms.
Lex Fridman Podcast: What Did Trump Say About Modi?
The Lex Fridman Podcast, where Trump mentioned Modi, covered various significant topics such as:
- Modi’s governance style and how it has shaped India’s rise on the global stage.
- India-U.S. relations and their increasing collaboration in defense, trade, and technology.
- The importance of alternative digital platforms like Truth Social in shaping global narratives.
Trump praised Modi’s bold decision-making, particularly in economic reforms, digital governance, and India’s increasing influence on the world stage.
Why Did Modi Join Truth Social?
PM Modi is already one of the most followed world leaders on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, so why did he decide to expand to Truth Social?
Expanding Digital Diplomacy
- Modi’s move is seen as a step toward engaging with emerging social media platforms.
- India has been pushing for greater digital independence and exploring alternative digital ecosystems.
Strengthening U.S.-India Relations
- This move signals India’s growing partnership with the United States, regardless of changing administrations.
- Indian-American voters in the U.S. could see this as a positive gesture ahead of upcoming elections.
Increasing India’s Global Digital Presence
- Modi’s presence on Truth Social could encourage Indian tech entrepreneurs to explore new platforms.
- The move aligns with India’s vision of digital expansion and global leadership in technology.
Addressing Concerns and Perceived Weaknesses
While some critics raised concerns about Modi’s association with Truth Social, let’s analyze why these concerns may not be significant:
1. Truth Social’s User Base: A Growing Platform
- While Truth Social currently has a smaller user base than Twitter, it is rapidly growing.
- Modi’s presence can expand the platform’s reach, making it a more influential digital space.
2. Content Moderation: A New Approach
- Unlike traditional platforms, Truth Social allows freer discussions, appealing to those who support uncensored dialogue.
- India has been working on its own Digital Personal Data Protection Act, which aligns with platform independence.
3. Political Neutrality: A Digital Expansion, Not a Political Endorsement
- Modi’s move should not be seen as supporting Trump’s politics but rather as expanding India’s digital footprint globally.
- Leaders joining multiple platforms is a common practice to ensure direct engagement with various audiences.
Truth Social vs Other Platforms
Monthly Active Users (MAUs)
- Truth Social: As of January 2025, Truth Social has approximately 6.3 million active users.
- Twitter/X: Approximately 450 million monthly active users.
- Facebook: Approximately 2.91 billion monthly active users.
- Instagram: Approximately 2 billion monthly active users.
Content Moderation Policies
- Truth Social: Emphasizes open discussion with a focus on free speech. However, specific details about their content moderation policies are not extensively documented.
- Twitter/X: Implements strict policies to regulate content, aiming to prevent misinformation and harmful speech.
- Facebook: Initially had stringent content moderation policies but has recently announced plans to scale back its content moderation, aiming to reduce error rates and promote free speech.
- Instagram: Similar to Facebook, Instagram is also adjusting its content moderation approach to balance free expression with user safety.
Public and Political Reactions
Supporters’ Views
- Many BJP leaders and digital policy experts have praised the move as a step toward India’s tech independence.
- Truth Social could serve as a model for India’s own alternative digital platforms.
A Balanced Political Response
- The Indian government maintains good relations with both major U.S. political parties.
- Modi’s move should be seen as a diplomatic step rather than a partisan one.
Moving Forward: A Bold and Strategic Digital Move
PM Modi’s decision to join Truth Social is not just about engaging with a new platform—it’s a calculated move in digital diplomacy. While critics may have concerns, the advantages outweigh any perceived risks.
This step marks India’s increasing influence in the global digital landscape. As India continues to lead in digital innovation, Modi’s presence on multiple platforms ensures direct engagement with global audiences, fostering greater international dialogue and cooperation.
By – Kartik
