Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has officially announced his visit to India later this year following a phone conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The tech mogul expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to speak with PM Modi, describing it as an “honor” and sharing his enthusiasm about exploring collaboration opportunities between India and the United States.
Their call revisited discussions from PM Modi’s Washington visit earlier this year, where both leaders spoke about the potential for advancing joint efforts in space, electric mobility, and innovation. Musk expressed that speaking with Prime Minister Modi was an honour and mentioned his enthusiasm about an upcoming visit to India later this year in a post on X.
PM Modi, in a post following the call, highlighted that the dialogue covered wide-ranging topics including bilateral technology partnerships. “India remains committed to advancing our partnerships with the US in these domains,” he said.
Musk’s upcoming visit to India coincides with a pivotal moment, as the country strengthens its position as a key player in the global tech landscape, particularly amid the ongoing US-China trade tensions. With Tesla set to launch sales in India by the third quarter of 2025, the move signals a major milestone in the company’s global growth plans and aligns with Musk’s broader business ambitions. Reports indicate that Tesla has rented a space in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex, scouted additional locations in Delhi and Mumbai, and is in the process of hiring staff for showrooms and vehicle delivery operations.
In parallel, Musk’s satellite internet venture Starlink is navigating India’s regulatory landscape, aiming for clearance to operate commercially. The company’s leadership recently met with Union Minister Piyush Goyal in Delhi to discuss investment opportunities and address pending security concerns. India’s status as a global leader in internet consumption makes it a lucrative target for Starlink’s growth.
The Modi-Musk relationship also holds a personal dimension. During Modi’s US visit earlier this year, he met Musk’s children—Lil X, Azure, and Strider—accompanied by Musk’s partner Shivon Zilis. Modi gifted the children three books: “The Crescent Moon” by Rabindranath Tagore, “The Great RK Narayan Collection,” and “Panchatantra” by Pandit Vishnu Sharma. The PM later shared images of the children reading the books, calling it a “delightful” exchange.
Musk’s upcoming India trip is expected to solidify Tesla and Starlink’s footprint in the country while marking a significant milestone in India-US tech diplomacy. It also coincides with broader bilateral efforts, including a potential trade deal designed to enhance cooperation in renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and innovation-driven growth.
