Modi and Elon Musk Discuss Strengthening India-US Tech Ties

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and tech entrepreneur Elon Musk held a telephone conversation on Friday, focusing on the potential for India and the US to collaborate in the fields of technology and innovation.

Modi took to social media platform X to share details of their conversation, noting that they revisited topics from their earlier February meeting in Washington, D.C. He highlighted India's strong commitment to deepening its partnership with the US in high-tech sectors.

“We discussed the immense potential for collaboration in the areas of technology and innovation,” Modi posted.

“India remains committed to advancing our partnerships with the US in these fields.”

The discussion comes at a strategic time, as India works to finalize a bilateral trade agreement with the United States. This move is aimed at cushioning the impact of potential new tariffs under President Donald Trump's administration.

Musk Eyes Expansion in India

Musk, who serves as CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and X, and also heads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), is actively pursuing expansion plans in India:

Starlink, his satellite internet venture, recently signed agreements with two of India's major telecom firms and is awaiting regulatory approval to begin operations.

Tesla is reportedly preparing for its long-awaited launch in India, having started recruitment for roles in Delhi and Mumbai and searching for showroom locations in both cities.

Despite ongoing legal tensions—X is currently suing the Indian government over content regulation—Musk appears committed to tapping into the Indian market.

High-Level Diplomacy Ahead of Key Visit

Modi’s call with Musk also precedes the upcoming four-day visit of US Vice President JD Vance, set to begin on April 21. Vance, whose wife Usha Vance has Indian roots, will meet Modi on the first day of his trip to discuss economic, trade, and geopolitical cooperation.

The visit takes place amid a shifting global trade landscape, marked by rising tensions between the US and China. Earlier this month, Trump imposed 27% tariffs on Indian imports, though a 90-day pause was later announced.

In response, India and the US are accelerating trade talks in hopes of securing an agreement that could safeguard their economic partnership from further disruptions.