Image Credit: X account @riteshagar
PM Modi Calls Elon Musk, Reaffirms Push for U.S.-India Tech Ties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, reaffirming India’s commitment to deepening partnerships with the United States in cutting-edge sectors such as electric vehicles, renewable energy, and space technology. The call comes at a time when India is actively courting major tech investors as part of its broader strategic realignment with the U.S.
The Prime Minister conveyed his support for fostering innovation, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing in India, and acknowledged the efforts of Musk’s companies, particularly Tesla and SpaceX, in shaping global technological trends. Modi’s outreach is being seen as a continuation of his efforts to attract global tech giants to invest and manufacture in India under the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ campaigns.
Tesla’s Entry into India Back in Focus
The conversation has reignited speculation about Tesla’s long-delayed entry into the Indian market. While no official announcement was made, the timing of the call — ahead of general elections and amidst Tesla’s ongoing search for new manufacturing hubs — has drawn attention.
Musk had earlier confirmed his intention to visit India in 2024 but had postponed it citing scheduling conflicts. Government officials have maintained that talks with Tesla are ongoing, and the latest development could signal a fresh round of engagement on investment terms, regulatory approvals, and possible locations for a gigafactory in India.
India-U.S. Tech Partnership a Key Strategic Priority
The Modi government has increasingly positioned India as a trusted partner in global technology supply chains, especially as tensions between the U.S. and China continue to shape global trade dynamics. Washington, too, has backed India’s tech ambitions through initiatives like the iCET (Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies).
By engaging directly with top-tier tech leaders like Musk, Modi aims to reinforce India’s image as a stable and forward-looking destination for innovation-led investments. The call also serves a diplomatic purpose, underscoring the strengthening ties between India and the U.S. at a time when both nations are aligning on climate goals, digital infrastructure, and frontier technologies.
Symbolic and Strategic Value of the Call
While largely symbolic in nature, the Modi-Musk phone call underscores the importance of high-profile personal diplomacy in India’s foreign economic strategy. It reflects New Delhi’s intent to stay ahead in the global tech race by anchoring international partnerships with visionaries who wield significant influence over emerging sectors.
For Musk, whose companies are seeking to expand into new markets amid global supply chain shifts, India offers not just a vast consumer base but also a manufacturing ecosystem eager for high-tech disruption.
