 "Earlier, there were reports that Elon Musk had also joined the phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump. Photo: File")
The Indian government on Saturday clarified that the March 24 telephonic conversation between the US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi was solely between them, dismissing reports that billionaire Elon Musk had joined the call.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “The telephone conversation on 24 March was between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump only,” rejecting claims based on a report by The New York Times that Musk had participated in the exchange.
First call since Iran war
The telephonic conversation, initiated by Trump, was the first direct interaction between the two leaders since the conflict in West Asia started on February 28. According to the MEA, the conversation provided an opportunity for both sides to “exchange views on the rapidly evolving situation in West Asia.”
In a post on X, PM Modi had described the discussion as “useful” and reiterated India’s consistent position on de-escalation, diplomacy and dialogue. He emphasised the importance of restoring peace at the earliest and underlined the need to keep critical global trade routes secure.
Strait of Hormuz in focus
Both leaders highlighted the strategic significance of the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil transit chokepoint. The two countries had stated that the opening of the strait is essential for global stability, adding that India and the US would remain in touch regarding efforts to restore peace.
The near-blockade of the strait has triggered volatility in global markets, pushing oil prices to record high.
Military escalation
Amid rising tensions, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism that Iran could engage in talks with Washington soon. Speaking at a business forum in Miami, he said that the proposed 15-point US peace plan could potentially resolve the crisis.
However, the ground situation remains volatile. Trump has extended a deadline for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz until April 6, warning of possible strikes on energy infrastructure if compliance is not met.
Meanwhile, Iranian media has reported fresh strikes on nuclear facilities and industrial sites, though officials said there was no radioactive leakage. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corp (IRGC) has warned of retaliatory attacks on regional industrial targets, as well as US-linked assets.
Recent strikes have also impacted key Gulf locations, including Dubai’s airport and parts of Bahrain, raising concerns over the region’s stability and the broader economic fallout.