PM, Musk discuss collaboration in tech, innovation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Elon Musk, the world’s richest person with a strong influence in the US administration, on Friday as they discussed the “immense potential” for collaboration in areas of technology and innovation.

In a post on X, Modi said he spoke to Musk and they talked about various issues, including topics that were discussed when they had met in Washington DC in February 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,” said Modi.

Earlier this week, a team of Starlink, the space-based Internet service owned by Musk, was in India for meetings. Reliance Jio has entered into a partnership with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s high-speed satellite Internet services to users in India. The rollout will depend on SpaceX securing regulatory approval from the Indian Government to officially offer Starlink in the country.

Tesla, an electric vehicle company owned by Musk, is planning to set up a manufacturing base in India.

The phone call between Modi and Musk comes amid escalating global tensions as countries race to draft fresh trade agreements with the US amid tariff threats.

US President Donald Trump is seeking to rebalance global trade and has criticised India for its “significant” tariffs on US imports. Modi’s message comes as a reassurance to Indian consumers and businesses that collaborations with American companies are still going on.

Musk heads the Department of Government Efficiency in the Trump Administration.