In a recent conversation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, discussed the "immense potential" for collaboration in technology and innovation. This dialogue underscores the growing synergy between India and the United States in advancing technological frontiers.
Prime Minister Modi shared on social media platform X:
"Spoke to @elonmusk and talked about various issues, including the topics we covered during our meeting in Washington DC earlier this year. We discussed the immense potential for collaboration in the areas of technology and innovation. India remains committed to advancing our partnerships with the US in these domains."
This conversation builds upon their previous meeting in Washington, D.C., where they explored opportunities in space exploration, sustainable development, and entrepreneurship.
Following the discussion, Elon Musk announced his plans to visit India later this year. He expressed his enthusiasm on X, stating, "It was an honor to speak with PM Modi. I am looking forward to visiting India later this year!"
This visit is anticipated to further discussions on Tesla's entry into the Indian market and the launch of Starlink's satellite internet services.
Tesla is preparing to establish a presence in India by opening retail showrooms in major cities like Mumbai and New Delhi. While immediate manufacturing plans are not confirmed, the company has listed several job openings, including roles such as store manager and service advisor, indicating a strategic move towards market entry.
India's recent policy changes, including reducing import duties on electric vehicles for manufacturers investing a minimum of ₹4,150 crore, make the market more attractive for Tesla's expansion plans.
Starlink, SpaceX's satellite internet service, is awaiting regulatory approvals to commence operations in India. The company has engaged in discussions with Indian authorities and partnered with major telecom operators like Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel to facilitate its entry.
The collaboration aims to enhance internet connectivity, especially in rural and remote areas, aligning with India's digital inclusion goals.
The Modi-Musk conversation occurs amid ongoing India-U.S. trade negotiations. Both nations have agreed to work on the first phase of a bilateral trade deal, aiming to conclude it by the end of the year. The broader objective is to increase bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. These discussions are crucial as they set the stage for enhanced economic cooperation, particularly in sectors like technology and innovation.
The recent dialogue between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Elon Musk marks a significant step towards strengthening India-U.S. collaboration in technology and innovation. Their conversation not only reflects mutual interests in advancing technological frontiers but also aligns with broader economic and strategic objectives.
Elon Musk's forthcoming visit to India is poised to further cement partnerships, particularly concerning Tesla's market entry and Starlink's internet services. As India continues to position itself as a global hub for innovation, such high-level engagements underscore the nation's commitment to fostering international collaborations that drive growth and development.