Key Points
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Tesla CEO Elon Musk held a phone conversation to explore deeper collaboration in technology and innovation.
- The discussion builds on their earlier meeting in Washington DC and comes as India accelerates efforts to attract global tech investments.
- India reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships with the US in areas like electric vehicles, space technology, and artificial intelligence.
- The call comes amid growing anticipation of Tesla’s entry into the Indian market and regulatory discussions over Starlink’s satellite internet services.
- The renewed engagement signals potential major announcements in India’s tech and manufacturing sectors.
New Delhi: In a significant move for India’s technology ambitions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on Friday, discussing ways to boost cooperation in technology and innovation. The conversation, announced by PM Modi on social media platform X, revisited topics from their earlier meeting in Washington DC and underscored India’s dedication to forging stronger ties with the United States in cutting-edge sectors.
“Spoke to @elonmusk and talked about various issues, including the topics we covered during our meeting in Washington DC earlier this year. We discussed the immense potential for collaboration in the areas of technology and innovation. India remains committed to advancing our partnerships with the US in these domains,” PM Modi posted.
Focus on Electric Vehicles, Space, and AI
The timing of the call is notable, as India ramps up efforts to become a global tech hub and attract major investments from international companies. Elon Musk has previously expressed strong interest in expanding Tesla’s footprint in India, particularly in electric vehicles (EVs), while also exploring opportunities in space technology and artificial intelligence.
Industry insiders suggest that Tesla could begin importing electric cars from its Berlin plant and may introduce an affordable EV under $25,000 for the Indian market as early as this year. Recruitment for Tesla’s India operations has reportedly already begun[8]. Meanwhile, SpaceX’s Starlink is awaiting regulatory clearance to launch satellite internet services in India, a move that could dramatically improve rural connectivity.
Strategic Context: Trade, Tariffs, and Tech Policy
The renewed engagement between Modi and Musk comes amid ongoing India-US trade negotiations and heightened global competition in technology. President Trump’s administration has pushed for new trade agreements and criticized India’s tariffs on US imports, making tech sector cooperation an important area for bilateral progress.
India’s government is also working to finalize spectrum allocation rules for satellite internet, with rivals like Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio already signing deals with SpaceX to bring Starlink to India. Starlink’s vast satellite network positions it as a disruptor in the Indian broadband market, pending final regulatory approval.
What’s Next? Potential Announcements on the Horizon
The conversation between Modi and Musk signals that major announcements could be forthcoming, especially regarding Tesla’s manufacturing plans and the rollout of Starlink in India. Both leaders have emphasized the immense potential for collaboration, with India positioning itself as a destination for advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and digital innovation.
India’s renewed engagement with Elon Musk reflects the country’s drive to become a global leader in technology and innovation. As Tesla and SpaceX look to expand their presence, the coming months could see transformative changes in India’s electric vehicle, space, and digital infrastructure sectors.
