New Delhi, Feb 5 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the United States this month for a key meeting with President Donald Trump. As part of the visit, he is expected to meet Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on February 13, as Musk joins a select group of top CEOs in discussions with the Indian leader.
Elon Musk, the world’s richest man and chief of the newly-formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), is anticipated to advocate for a level playing field for Tesla’s electric vehicles in India. He is also likely to push for early regulatory approval to launch Starlink, his affordable satellite internet service, while seeking to boost collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Though no official confirmation of the Modi-Musk meeting has been issued, reports indicate that it could play a key role in advancing Musk’s business interests in India.
Musk had previously planned a visit to India last year but postponed it due to critical obligations at Tesla, including addressing negative growth in China and overseeing significant global layoffs. “Unfortunately, very heavy Tesla obligations require that the visit to India be delayed. But I do very much look forward to visiting (India) later this year,” Musk wrote on his X social media platform in April last year.
During recent meetings, Tesla proposed supporting India’s battery storage capabilities through its “Powerwall” technology, while also working toward establishing a Tesla supply chain within the country. Musk has expressed keen interest in expanding Tesla’s operations and partnerships in India.
Following PM Modi’s re-election for a third term in June last year, Musk congratulated him, saying, “Looking forward to my companies doing exciting work in India.” In response, PM Modi highlighted India’s favorable business environment, including its talented youth, stable policies, and democratic governance.
Before heading to the US, PM Modi will attend the AI Summit in Paris on February 11-12, marking a busy diplomatic schedule.( With inputs from IANS)