On 19th April, 2025, Elon Musk, who is the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, had a conversation with Narendra Modi, the Indian Prime Minister.
Will their discussions strengthen the ties between India and the US?
The February 2025 Meet: Elon Musk and PM Modi
In February 2025, the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, travelled to Washington, D.C. and met Elon Musk.
The topics that they discussed during their meeting included:
- Space exploration
- Innovation
- Technology
- Sustainable development
- Transportation
- Governance
- Entrepreneurship
The Highlights of Recent Discussion
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted their recent call on 19th April, 2025, about India’s dedication to developing technology and innovation collaboration with the US.
Modi confirmed that, “He discussed about tremendous potential in the fields of innovation and technology collaboration with Elon Musk. Moreover, India is deciding whether to strengthen their ties with the US”.
Elon Musk gave a positive response during their conversation, expressing that he would visit India later this year. Furthermore, Musk also wrote, “It was an honour to speak with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I am excited to travel to India later this year,” on his social media.
Prediction of Elon Musk’s Visit to India
With all the discussion about Elon Musk’s visit to India, it is clear that his visit may be more than just a publicised stunt by the major global tech titan. It will be the collaboration of one of the fastest-growing technological frontiers globally and its most ambitious creator.
Elon Musk is arriving in India when the country is actively changing its position in global innovation and technology, and not for a friendly visit or to look for new opportunities.
The Potential Collaboration
- Tesla’s much-awaited launch in India
With the setting up of production plants and introducing several electric cars, Tesla has been looking into ways to enter the Indian market. However, the high import taxes presented difficulties.
Recent policy changes, including lower import tax rates for businesses that invest locally, might make Tesla easier to enter the market.
- SpaceX’s project
With a focus on the neglected rural areas of the country, Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite network project, aims to provide broadband services.
Despite that the license of Starlink is under review, India’s digital infrastructure might benefit from Starlink as it will make the internet more accessible.
- X and Suits
The microblogging site X has been facing a few legal issues in India. Despite these hurdles, Musk’s business collaborates with India’s goals to become a centre for innovation and technology globally.
The Strategic Outcomes
The talks between Elon Musk and Narendra Modi take place amid a bilateral trade deal, and the ongoing negotiations between the US and India continue.
In these negotiations, technological and innovative collaborations are anticipated to be important. It will possibly resolve issues like electric car traffic hurdles and promote India’s economic growth via technological advancements.
Conclusion
As a result, the ongoing discussions between the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and Elon Musk throw light on both of their common goals, i.e., for the progress of technology and innovation. This goal could then influence how India interacts with the world trade leaders in the future.
For further information, please refer to the Prime Minister’s office’s official statement:
https://www.pmindia.gov.in/en/news_updates/pm-highlights-potential-for-bilateral-technology-cooperation-in-conversation-with-elon-musk
