AI researcher and podcaster Lex Fridman said he fasted for 45 hours before interviewing PM Narendra Modi as a mark of honour before his conversation with the Indian politician.

He said he ate no food for nearly two days and only drank water during this period.

Before the beginning of the conversation, the podcaster said: "I am fasting right now. It has been almost two days, 45 hours. I have not had any food just water."

He further said: "In honour of this conversation, just to get into the right mindset and spiritual level."

Modi said he felt honoured and surprised that he was fasting to pay tribute to him.

"I am truly surprised and honoured that you are fasting and that too it seems you are doing so to pay respect to me," he said.

 Sharing his view on fasting, Modi said it is a 'self-discipline' and a 'devotional' process for me.

He said he experienced that fasting' enhances the 'senses' of a person.

"All your senses become highly sensitive when you are on a fast," he said.

Modi recalled he was on a fast when he met US President Barack Obama in the White House and declined the formal dinner.

On a lighter note, Modi said, "When I met him (Obama) the next time, he invited me to lunch and told me to eat twice to make up for the last time."