As US-India engages in trade talks, PM Modi and Elon Musk discuss tech and innovation ties

Reaffirming India’s interest in deepening its technology and innovation ties with the United States, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. The conversation follows a series of recent engagements between Indian officials and senior executives from Musk’s companies, including an earlier meeting this week between a Starlink delegation and Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal.

“Spoke to Elon Musk 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 said in a post on X.

The Prime Minister had previously met Musk during his visit to Washington in February this year.

PM Modi’s latest conversation with Musk comes at a time when Tesla is reportedly poised to enter the Indian market. The development also coincides with ongoing negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement between India and the US.

On Wednesday, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal also met with top executives from Elon Musk’s Starlink in Delhi to discuss the company’s investment plans in India.

“Met a delegation from Starlink, comprising Vice President Chad Gibbs and Senior Director Ryan Goodnight. Discussions covered Starlink’s cutting-edge technology platform, their existing partnerships, and future investment plans in India,” Goyal said on X.