As India and the United States navigate complex tariff negotiations and pursue a potential trade agreement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held an important conversation with tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, highlighting the “immense potential” for collaboration in technology and innovation.
This high-profile exchange comes just days before U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance’s scheduled visit to India from April 21 to 24. It also coincides with ongoing discussions for a bilateral trade deal initiated earlier this year after Modi meets with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House.
Following the conversation, PM Modi posted on social media platform X:
‘’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.”
Musk, who commands significant influence in U.S. policy circles, especially under President Trump, has been expanding his business interests in India. While his earlier plans to visit India in 2024 were postponed, momentum around his ventures like Tesla and Starlink is building once again.
Tesla, Musk’s flagship electric vehicle company, is preparing to enter the Indian market with retail operations. The company has secured leasing agreements for showrooms in Mumbai and New Delhi. Although Tesla’s manufacturing plans in India remain uncertain, recent policy changes, such as India’s easing of import duties for electric vehicles under specific investment conditions, could open new avenues for deeper engagement.
Meanwhile, Musk’s satellite internet venture, Starlink, is making steady progress toward launching operations in India. Talks with top government officials, including Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, have opened doors for potential collaborations with leading telecom giants such as Jio Platforms and Bharti Airtel. However, key approvals, particularly related to security clearances, are still awaited.
Highlighting the improving dynamics between India and the U.S., Musk recently emphasised, “Things are trending positive. I’m certainly in favor of lowering trade barriers to increase commerce between the U.S. and India,” during a discussion hosted at his Starbase facility in Texas earlier this year.
As Musk navigates policy, investment, and regulatory hurdles both in the U.S. and India, his renewed conversation with Prime Minister Modi underlines the growing significance of technology and innovation as key pillars in the evolving India-U.S. strategic partnership.
