Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met SpaceX CEO Elon Musk during his U.S. visit, discussing innovation, space, technology, and sustainable development. The meeting, highlighting growing ties between Modi and Musk, follows Musk’s optimism about Tesla entering India. Musk’s Starlink faces regulatory challenges in India but aims to expand satellite broadband access. Meanwhile, Tesla’s entry is hindered by high import duties, though evolving electric vehicle policies may help. The dialogue reflects India’s push for global innovation partnerships and transformative collaborations with U.S. enterprises.
During his visit to the United States to meet with President Donald Trump, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a noteworthy meeting with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. While the specific agenda of their conversation remains undisclosed, Modi shared on X (formerly Twitter) that the dialogue revolved around "various issues, including those he is passionate about such as space, mobility, technology, and innovation."
This meeting adds another chapter to the growing rapport between Modi and Musk, who last met in New York in 2023. At that time, Musk expressed optimism about Tesla’s entry into India, stating he was "confident that Tesla will be in India ... as soon as humanly possible."
President Trump, speaking at a joint press conference with Modi at the White House, admitted he was unsure of the exact purpose of their meeting. However, he speculated that Musk’s interest might stem from potential business opportunities in India, saying, "I would imagine he met, possibly, because you know he's running a company."
India’s Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement highlighting the key focus areas discussed during the meeting, including innovation, space exploration, artificial intelligence, sustainable development, entrepreneurship, and good governance. The conversation signals a commitment to deeper collaboration between Indian and U.S. entities in these domains.
Musk’s Starlink Eyes Indian Market
Elon Musk, who once referred to himself as a "fan of Modi," has shown consistent interest in bringing his Starlink satellite internet service to India. However, its launch has faced delays due to regulatory hurdles and opposition from domestic telecom giants like Reliance Jio. India’s telecom minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia, stated last year that Starlink must meet specific security and licensing norms before entering the market.
Musk had previously criticized India’s policy of auctioning spectrum for satellite services, which he argued was counterproductive. In response, the Indian government revised its policy, opting instead to assign satellite spectrum, opening the door for potential progress.
India’s satellite broadband market presents immense opportunities, particularly in underserved rural and remote regions. With mobile data in India being among the cheapest globally, Starlink’s higher costs could pose a challenge. However, bridging the digital divide for the 40% of India’s population still without internet access remains a critical need.
Tesla’s Hurdles in India
Musk’s Tesla is yet to debut in India, one of the world’s largest automobile markets, due to high import duties and an evolving electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem. Although India’s EV market currently accounts for only about 2% of total car sales, the government aims to increase this share to 30% by 2030. Recent policy changes offering concessional tariffs for fully imported EVs tied to local manufacturing commitments could provide Tesla with a pathway into the market.
Charting a Shared Vision
The meeting between Modi and Musk underscores India’s ambition to become a global hub for innovation and technology. With Musk’s ventures in space, mobility, and technology aligning closely with India’s developmental goals, the discussion has the potential to set the stage for transformative partnerships. As both nations look to strengthen ties, this dialogue represents a step forward in fostering collaboration and driving progress in key areas of mutual interest.
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