Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday shared that he had a detailed conversation with Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, during which the two discussed a range of key topics with a special focus on technology, innovation, and ongoing collaboration between India and the United States. Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi wrote, “Spoke to Elon Musk and talked about various issues, including the topics we covered during our meeting in Washington DC earlier this year.” This reference harks back to their in-person interaction in February, when Modi was on a two-day official visit to the United States and held several high-level meetings with global business leaders, including Musk.

That meeting in Washington DC, held at the historic Blair House—the official guest residence of the U.S. President—was particularly notable not only for its strategic importance but also for its personal touch. Elon Musk arrived accompanied by three of his children, underscoring the informal yet impactful nature of the meeting. The discussion between the two had revolved around wide-ranging sectors such as space exploration, electric mobility, artificial intelligence (AI), and sustainable development. Musk, who has long expressed interest in India as a strategic market for both Tesla and SpaceX’s satellite internet service, Starlink, found in PM Modi a willing partner to foster innovation-led collaboration between private enterprises and national governments.

Friday’s phone conversation, therefore, was not an isolated event but rather a continuation of a growing dialogue between two influential figures representing dynamic and evolving sectors. According to a statement issued by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the conversation covered efforts to deepen cooperation in cutting-edge domains like AI, emerging technologies, clean energy, and entrepreneurship. “Their discussion also touched on opportunities to deepen cooperation in emerging technologies, entrepreneurship and good governance,” the MEA stated. These themes mirror India’s long-term strategic vision under Modi’s leadership, which aims to transform India into a global hub for digital innovation and manufacturing while also promoting sustainable and inclusive development.

The MEA further highlighted that strengthening the partnership between Indian and U.S. entities—both public and private—in innovation, space exploration, and advanced technology was central to the leaders’ discussion. Modi, who has often spoken about “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) as a goal for 2047, views partnerships with tech titans like Musk as instrumental in building a modern, forward-thinking ecosystem for growth. This includes not only bringing global companies like Tesla into India’s domestic market but also encouraging collaborative ventures in sectors such as electric vehicles (EVs), space research, and satellite communication.

Indeed, SpaceX’s satellite internet venture, Starlink, has shown a growing interest in establishing its presence in India. After previous regulatory hurdles and policy discussions, the company is now eyeing a broader rollout, which has the potential to revolutionize connectivity in remote and rural areas. As Musk’s companies work toward gaining ground in India’s digital infrastructure and clean energy sectors, industry insiders believe that such discussions at the leadership level could accelerate approvals and pave the way for deeper integration. Moreover, the entry of companies like Starlink into India’s competitive internet market could also push domestic giants like Jio and Airtel to innovate further and expand their services, creating a win-win scenario for consumers and investors alike.

The conversation also comes at a time when Tesla is evaluating the possibility of setting up a manufacturing plant in India. Over the last two years, Musk and Tesla executives have repeatedly hinted at the brand’s ambitions to penetrate the Indian EV market. While high import duties and policy ambiguity have stalled progress in the past, recent signals from the government—including a new EV policy that incentivizes local manufacturing—may help clear the roadblocks. If Tesla were to announce a factory in India, it could not only boost the local auto industry but also create thousands of jobs and put India squarely on the map for global EV production.

Furthermore, Modi’s emphasis on entrepreneurship during his chat with Musk aligns with his broader agenda of fostering start-ups and tech innovation through flagship initiatives like ‘Startup India’ and ‘Digital India.’ The Indian government has invested heavily in creating incubators, easing regulatory norms, and supporting fintech and deep-tech ventures. Musk, with his experience in scaling transformative companies across sectors, is seen as a valuable interlocutor who can inspire new-age Indian entrepreneurs and possibly even invest in or mentor select ventures operating at the intersection of technology and sustainability.

Analysts believe that these recurring conversations between PM Modi and Elon Musk are indicative of a new form of diplomacy—one where heads of state and global business leaders collaborate to bridge public policy with private innovation. It also reflects a mutual respect and alignment of vision: Musk, a vocal proponent of free enterprise and technological revolution, finds resonance in Modi’s push for self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) and the digitization of services. Modi, on the other hand, is aware of the strategic advantage India can gain by being an early adopter and developer of future technologies.

The dialogue also carries geopolitical significance. As global supply chains are being realigned and nations are looking to reduce their dependency on single-source manufacturing, India is positioning itself as a reliable, democratic alternative to China. For Musk and companies like Tesla, diversifying manufacturing bases and tapping into India’s skilled labor market could be a game-changer. Likewise, for India, attracting high-tech foreign direct investment (FDI) is a key pillar of economic strategy over the next two decades.

In conclusion, the recent phone conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Elon Musk is not just a courtesy call but a strategic dialogue with deep implications for the future of India’s technological and industrial landscape. Whether it’s enabling Tesla’s entry, supporting Starlink’s rollout, or fostering AI and clean energy startups, this cross-continental partnership could shape the contours of global innovation in the years to come. As Modi continues to champion India’s digital renaissance on the world stage, allies like Musk—entrepreneurs with a track record of challenging norms and scaling big ideas—will likely play a vital role in that journey.