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  1. Elon Musk, now US govt efficiency chief, discusses space exploration and AI with PM Modi

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Elon Musk, now US govt efficiency chief, discusses space exploration and AI with PM Modi

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3 min read | Updated on February 14, 2025, 10:08 IST

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SUMMARY

Elon Musk met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Washington, D.C., to discuss strengthening India-US collaboration in innovation, space exploration, artificial intelligence, and sustainable development.

elon musk modi meeting.webp

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Washington.

Tesla CEO and head of the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Elon Musk called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday and discussed strengthening collaboration between India and the US in innovation, space exploration, artificial intelligence, and sustainable development.

Musk, who was accompanied by family members, also deliberated with the Prime Minister on deepening cooperation in emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, and good governance, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

Following the meeting, Modi posted 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,” he added, in an apparent reference to the Trump administration’s efforts to cut waste from government agencies.

Musk, who is heading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led a successful drive to dismantle two agencies so far.

The tech billionaire, a close ally of former US President Donald Trump, has been keen on expanding his business interests in India, particularly through his satellite internet venture, Starlink. The company’s bid to enter the South Asian market was likely to have figured in discussions.

When asked whether Musk met Modi as a government official or a tech entrepreneur, Trump said, “India is a very hard place to do business because of the tariffs. They have the highest tariffs, just about in the world, and it’s a hard place to do business. No, I would imagine he met possibly because, you know, he’s running a company.”

Musk has previously expressed interest in bringing Tesla and Starlink to India.

Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia recently confirmed that the government will set the price for the satellite spectrum rather than selling it through competitive bidding. This could prove to be a big boost to global companies like Starlink trying to enter the Indian market.

Starlink will have to comply with all norms to get a licence for services in India, Scindia had said.

Earlier in April 2024, Musk had pulled out from a much-hyped planned visit to India, including a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the last moment citing "very heavy Tesla obligations".

It was expected that he would announce plans for Tesla to set up its manufacturing unit in India and investments of billions of dollars, and the way forward for selling Tesla electric cars in India at the earliest.

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