The unexpected decision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to gesture towards deepening ties between India and the United States by joining Truth Social, the social media platform started by former U.S. President Donald Trump, has set off a conversation about the changing forms of international diplomacy.
Modi’s Grand Entry to Truth Social
To prime Minister Modi, Truth Social was still an unexplored platform as he made an appearance there by posting a throwback image from the 2019 ‘Howdy Modi’ function at Houston, where he said he and President Trump talked to a massive Indian-American gathering. In his maiden message, Modi expressed his excitement to interact with the users of the platform and participate in meaningful discussions.
At the same time, Modi’s post landed in planetary conjunction with a message from Trump in which he had shared a recent podcast by AI researcher Lex Fridman featuring PM Modi. To this, Modi thanked Trump: “Thank you, my friend, President Trump. I have discussed so many topics in that interview-from my life journey, India’s civilisational outlook, and world issues to more.”
Political and Diplomatic Implications
Joining Truth Social by PM Modi is seen as a strategy to reinforce ties with Trump, a renewed political figure in the United States. Modi’s association on an engagement platform with Trump would show the readiness to keep the Former President and His backers close.
A new development in the India-U.S. relations backdrop. For while both enjoy a fierce diplomatic and trade relationship, memories remain of tariffs and economic policy strains of the past. Modi and Trump’s e-friendship could mean they might be keen to transcend those hurdles through direct communication.
Social Media as a Diplomatic Tool
He has been a strong advocate of using social media for direct communication with the public. He has had a global audience through Twitter, Facebook, and Koo. Now joining Truth Social, he is also expanding his digital reach and strengthening the role that social media will play in modern diplomacy.
Political analysts could closely observe Modi’s move in the backdrop of elections both in India and the U.S. His interaction with Trump on a conservative-leaning platform may also appeal to some sections of the Indian-American community that support the former U.S. president.
Conclusion
PM Modi’s entrance into Truth Social adds another quirky side in digital diplomacy. As all major global leaders have started resorting to social media platforms for international engagement, now Modi too goes into Truth Social, reflecting a mix of political strategy with diplomacy. While whether this move turns out to be lasting into India-U.S. relations is something that still has to be seen, it definitely sets a new precedent for international leadership in the digital era.
