Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a podcast with Lex Fridman, advocated for dialogue over discord with China, emphasizing that while competition between the two nations is natural, it must not devolve into conflict.

Reflecting on past border tensions, Modi highlighted efforts to restore pre-2020 normalcy along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) following the deadly 2020 clashes—the first fatalities there since 1975. “After my recent meeting with President Xi, we have seen a return to normalcy at the border… Slowly but surely, trust, enthusiasm, and energy should return,” he said, referencing his October 2024 talks with Xi Jinping.

Modi underscored the broader stakes: “Cooperation between India and China isn’t just beneficial for the two nations, but also essential for global stability and prosperity.” He envisioned a healthy rivalry, noting, “Since the 21st century is Asia’s century, we want India and China to compete in a healthy and natural way. Competition is not a bad thing, but it should never turn into conflict.”

Historically, he said, the two ancient civilizations have enriched each other, once contributing over 50% of global GDP. “There was no real history of conflict… It has always been about learning from each other,” he added, citing Buddhism’s spread from India to China as an example.

In the over three-hour discussion, Modi acknowledged inevitable differences between neighbors—“even within a family, not everything is always perfect”—but stressed resolving them through dialogue. “Our effort is to ensure that these differences don’t turn into disputes… Only through dialogue can we build a stable cooperative relationship that serves the best interests of both nations,” he said.

With cultural ties and mutual learning as a foundation, Modi expressed optimism for a future where India and China’s relationship grows stronger, benefiting Asia and the world.