Stalwarts Say

I've listened to the Lex Fridman interview with Prime Minister Modi, and I listened to it in English, but also in Hindi, even though I don't understand too much Hindi, but I wanted to listen to it in original, and I reported to Prime Minister. I said, elder brother, I listened to that podcast, and I saw a spiritual leader. I felt like I was listening to a spiritual master. It was very spiritually fulfilling.

I consider PM Modi as my elder brother. He guides me, so I consider him as my mentor, and every meeting with him is very special. This time also, we very briefly touched about the proceedings of BIMSTEC and India's leadership role in BIMSTEC as the biggest country, as the biggest Member State of BIMSTEC, most populous Member State, the biggest economy and the most powerful country in the BIMSTEC region. We look forward to India's leadership, and Prime Minister Modi has been exercising that leadership. So I mentioned on how good things look for BIMSTEC in finally achieving, realizing some of its potential.

India is the biggest democracy of the world. In India there is separation of powers. In India there is freedom of expression. In India you’re fighting against poverty and inequality. In India you are committed to peace in the world. PM Modi has a weird status nowadays that he can talk to every leader of the world, Mr Putin, Mr Trump, Mr Zelenskyy and the European Union, and Latin American leaders in BRICS or Iran. That is something that no other leader can do now. You (PM Modi) are a key player in the geopolitical atmosphere nowadays

The partnership between our countries (India and US) has been strong for decades and under the leadership of two great leaders and two great friends, President Trump and PM Modi, and rooted in our shared values of peace and freedom, security and prosperity. I am confident that this partnership and friendship between our two nations and our leaders will continue to grow and strengthen

I had a great discussion with Narendra Modi about India's development, the path to Viksit Bharat @ 2047, and exciting advancements in health, agriculture, AI, and other sectors that are creating impact today. It's impressive to see how innovation in India is driving progress locally - and globally.

I think it's a very exciting time... It was back in 1997 when I was the fulltime CEO of Microsoft when first I came here (India). I had already seen that the people we hired from India were amazing and when I came here, I saw that this is a country that invests in infrastructure and education. I thought that this country will be a superpower one day... I didn't think it would be achieved so quickly

India is not just building for itself, it is creating solutions that have the potential to transform global health and development

I'm a great admirer of your extraordinary achievements as Prime Minister. As you know, in the almost 11 years that you've occupied the Prime Minister's office, you have weathered the Covid storm and still managed to expand India's economy by 50%.

You have lifted 250 million of your countrymen out of poverty and eliminated extreme poverty. And today, India is at the leading edge of technology with massive innovative potential.

You were the first country—the first country—to land on the Moon’s South Pole, and in the process drawing the world's attention to India's extraordinary technological prowess.

I have heard global leaders announce that their country is first. I have not heard of a leader of such a large country saying ‘neighbourhood first’ anywhere in the world at any time in history. It is a wonderful opportunity. I can’t speak for the other neighbouring countries, but for Bhutan, ‘neighbourhood first’ has translated to even deeper friendship between two countries and even more support and assistance from India. It has allowed us to grow our economy, and meet our developmental targets.

I have huge regard for PM Modi’s leadership and also appreciative for the genuine affection he bestows on me personally. He’s really accepted me as a younger brother. I see him as my mentor, and call him my ‘margdarshak’

Leading a country as big as India—the most populous country in the world—is one of the most difficult jobs. But Excellency, through your leadership and selfless service to 140 crore people, you have earned the love, affection and respect of not only the people of India but also of Bhutan and the entire world.

In you (PM Narendra Modi), I see the manifestation of these three Bodhisattvas – Manjushri, Vajrapani, Avalokiteshvara.
In you, I see the expression of their attributes—wisdom, courage and compassion.
You lead with the profound wisdom to envision the full potential of India.
You lead with the courage to make bold decisions and stand firm in the face of challenges.
Above all, you lead with compassion, always placing the well-being of your people at the heart of your governance.