Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a candid podcast with Lex Fridman released on Sunday, March 16, expressed his disappointment over Pakistan’s response to India’s peace initiatives, stating that every attempt to improve bilateral ties was met with hostility and betrayal. He expressed hope that wisdom would prevail among Pakistan’s leadership to choose the path of peace.

Recalling his early efforts to mend relations, Modi mentioned inviting then-Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to his swearing-in ceremony in 2014 as a gesture of goodwill. “It was a diplomatic gesture unlike any in decades. Even those who questioned my foreign policy approach were surprised. Our former President Pranab Mukherjee beautifully captured this historic moment in his memoir,” Modi said.

However, he lamented that the desired outcome was not achieved. “Every noble attempt at fostering peace was met with hostility and betrayal. We sincerely hope that wisdom prevails upon them, and they choose the path of peace,” he added. Modi also expressed empathy for the people of Pakistan, stating that they too must yearn for peace, tired of living amidst strife, unrest, and relentless terror.

On U.S.-India relations and President Trump

Modi also spoke about his strong bond with U.S. President Donald Trump, describing him as a leader who prioritizes national interests, much like himself. He praised Trump’s courage and decisiveness, recalling how the U.S. President sat among the audience during the ‘Howdy Modi’ event in Houston in 2019 while Modi addressed the crowd.

“That was his humility. The President of the United States sitting in the audience while I spoke from the stage—it was a remarkable gesture,” Modi said. He also shared a memorable moment when Trump agreed to walk through the packed stadium to greet the audience, despite concerns from his security team. “His entire security detail was thrown off guard, but that moment showed his courage and trust in me. It was a testament to the strong bond between us,” Modi added.

Reflecting on Trump’s resilience, Modi highlighted the U.S. President’s dedication to his country, even after being shot during the election campaign last year. “Even after being shot, he remained unwavering in his commitment to America. His ‘America First’ spirit resonates with my ‘India First’ approach. That’s why we connect so well,” Modi said.

He also commended Trump’s preparedness in his second term, noting that the U.S. President has a clear roadmap and a capable team to implement his vision. Modi mentioned meeting key members of Trump’s administration, including Vice President J.D. Vance, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, and tech mogul Elon Musk.

Modi emphasized that politicians are often perceived through the lens of media coverage, which can create misunderstandings. “People rarely get the chance to truly meet or personally know one another. Perhaps third-party intervention is the real cause of tensions,” he said, advocating for direct engagement and mutual understanding among global leaders.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday, March 16, emphasized the transformative impact of the Bodo Accord, asserting that the agreement has brought peace and development to the Bodoland region in Assam.

Speaking at the 57th annual conference of the All Bodo Students Union (ABSU) in Kokrajhar, Shah recalled how the Congress had mocked the accord but highlighted its success in fostering progress in the region.

Shah announced that the central government has allocated ₹1,500 crore for the development of Bodoland, which has a population of 35 lakh. He revealed that 82% of the clauses in the Bodo Accord have already been implemented, with the remaining provisions set to be fulfilled within the next two years.

Encouraging the youth of Bodoland to aim high, Shah urged them to start preparing for the 2036 Olympics, which is proposed to be held in Ahmedabad. His address underscored the government’s commitment to empowering the region and its people.

Earlier in the day, Shah took to X to announce a significant breakthrough in the fight against drug trafficking. He revealed that a massive consignment of methamphetamine tablets worth ₹88 crore had been seized, and four members of an international drug cartel were arrested in operations conducted in Imphal and Guwahati.

“No mercy for drug cartels. Accelerating the Modi government’s march to build a drug-free Bharat, a massive consignment of methamphetamine tablets worth ₹88 crore has been seized, and four members of an international drug cartel have been arrested in Imphal and Guwahati zones,” Shah wrote. He congratulated the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) for its stellar performance and reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to combating the drug menace.

Shah attributed the success to the government’s “bottom-to-top and top-to-bottom” approach to investigations, which has strengthened the fight against drug trafficking. He vowed that the crackdown on drug cartels would continue with full force.

The Home Minister’s remarks at the ABSU conference and his announcement of the drug haul reflect the government’s dual focus on fostering regional development and ensuring national security.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Sunday pledged strict action against those responsible for the death of an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) who was killed while attempting to rescue a man during a violent clash in Mauganj district. The incident has sparked a political row, with the opposition Congress criticizing the state government over its handling of law and order.

The tragedy unfolded on Saturday when a group of Kol tribe members allegedly abducted Sunny Dwivedi, suspecting him of involvement in the death of a tribal man, Ashok Kumar, months earlier. According to police records, Kumar had died in a road accident. A police team rushed to Gadra village to rescue Dwivedi but found that he had already died, reportedly after being beaten by the mob.

When the police attempted to enter the room where Dwivedi was held, they were attacked by the tribals with sticks and stones, leaving several officers injured. ASI Ramcharan Gautam of the Special Armed Force succumbed to his injuries during treatment.

Expressing grief over the incident, CM Yadav said, “What happened in Mauganj yesterday is deeply saddening. An ASI lost his life, and several others were injured. The situation is now under control, and I have directed senior officials to reach the spot immediately. I hope the situation will normalize soon.”

In a post on X, Yadav, who also holds the home portfolio, stated that he has instructed authorities to take strict action against those involved in the “inhuman and unfortunate” incident. He confirmed that ASI Gautam died during the police team’s efforts to resolve a dispute between two groups in Gadra village under Shahpur police station.

Yadav added that the injured policemen have been admitted to a hospital in Rewa for treatment. He also mentioned that Section 163 of the BNSS (Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita) has been imposed in the area, and senior officials, including the DIG of Rewa and SP of Mauganj, have been deployed to manage the situation. The ADG of Rewa Zone and the Director General of Police have also been directed to supervise the operations.

Meanwhile, state Congress president Jitu Patwari slammed the BJP-led government, alleging a complete breakdown of law and order in Madhya Pradesh. He cited several recent incidents, including the death of an innocent tribal during an anti-Naxal operation in Mandla district and clashes between police and lawyers in Indore.

“The police committed atrocities on tribals in Mauganj, who retaliated and attacked the police. Law and order have completely collapsed in Madhya Pradesh. The Home Minister has failed. If police are attacked at five places in one or two days, where is the law and order?” Patwari questioned.