 "PM Modi, Elon Musk talks on space, tech and India's governance reforms")
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Thursday at Blair House in Washington, DC, for a bilateral meeting with PM Narendra Modi. Musk arrived at Blair House with his three young children, who were sitting with Musk when he met Modi.
“Had a very good meeting with @elonmusk in Washington DC. We discussed various issues, including those he is passionate about such as space, mobility, technology and innovation. I talked about India’s efforts towards reform and furthering ‘Minimum Government, Maximum Governance,” PM Modi said in a post on X.
Had a very good meeting with @elonmusk in Washington DC. We discussed various issues, including those he is passionate about such as space, mobility, technology and innovation. I talked about India’s efforts towards reform and furthering ‘Minimum Government, Maximum Governance.’ pic.twitter.com/7xNEqnxERZ
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 13, 2025
Musk is expected to hold one-on-one talks with Modi, during which India’s government anticipates discussions on Starlink’s pending licence approval, Reuters reported. While India has backed Musk’s stance that satellite spectrum should be assigned rather than auctioned, Starlink’s application remains under review.
In December, Musk had said that Starlink services were inactive in India after authorities seized two of the company’s devices—one from an armed conflict zone and another linked to a drug smuggling case, the report adds.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsWhile it remains unclear if Tesla’s entry into India will be discussed, the talks are expected to cover increased sourcing of electric vehicle components from India, according to Reuters.
Musk has repeatedly criticised India’s high import taxes on electric cars, and while discussions on setting up a local manufacturing base have taken place over the years, no concrete plans have materialised.
Other than Musk, Modi is unlikely to meet other business leaders during his U.S. visit, Reuters reported.
Upon his arrival in Washington, the Prime Minister met US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and discussed various aspects of the India-USA friendship.
PM Modi will meet US President Donald Trump for a bilateral meeting with in the Oval Office tomorrow. It will be held in the wee hours of the morning in India.
There is a lot on the agenda. Tariffs are a big concern and Trump has warned of “ reciprocal” tariffs ahead of his meeting with Modi. It remains to be seen if the PM can avert a tariff clash and strike a trade deal with the US instead. America’s crackdown on illegal Indian immigrants will be on the cards.
The two leaders will hold a press conference in the East Room of the White House. Trump will then host a dinner for PM Modi.
It’s less than a month since Trump returned to the White House but his second term is shaking up the world order. The Indian PM is among the few leaders to meet Potus face-to-face since taking office and Modi can hope his visit sets the tone for strong ties between the two nations for the next four years.
With inputs from agencies
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