The meeting focused on Starlink’s proposed satellite expansion in India and Tesla’s potential plans for a factory, amid security concerns and trade tensions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk in Washington DC on Thursday, just hours before his crucial meeting with US President Donald Trump. The discussion centred on technology, innovation, and governance reforms, with a particular focus on Starlink’s troubled entry into the Indian market and Tesla’s long-anticipated plans for a manufacturing plant in the country.

A High-Profile Encounter
Sharing a photo from the meeting on social media platform X, Modi described his conversation with Musk as “very good,” emphasising mutual interests in space exploration, mobility, and efficiency in governance.

“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,’” Modi posted.

The meeting was particularly significant as Musk now heads the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under the Trump administration. In this role, he has been tasked with streamlining federal operations and spearheading technological advancements in governance.

Starlink’s Rocky Path in India
One of the key topics of discussion was Starlink’s satellite internet initiative in India. The Indian government has delayed the approval of Starlink’s licence due to national security concerns, particularly after unauthorised satellite routers were found in sensitive regions such as Manipur and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Indian authorities fear that Starlink technology has been exploited by militant groups and criminal networks. In December 2024, police discovered Starlink Mini devices being used for illicit communications in conflict-hit Manipur and for drug smuggling operations in the Andaman region. Although Musk claimed Starlink had deactivated its services in India, security officials remain sceptical.

India has already granted satellite communication licences to Bharti-backed OneWeb and the Jio-SES joint venture, but Starlink and Amazon’s Project Kuiper are still awaiting approval. The controversy surrounding Starlink’s premature acceptance of pre-orders in 2021, before receiving a licence, has also raised regulatory red flags.

Tesla’s India Plans Back on Track?
Beyond satellite internet, Tesla’s proposed entry into the Indian market was also a focal point. Modi has long pushed for Tesla to set up a manufacturing facility in India, but discussions have repeatedly stalled.

Musk was originally expected to visit India in 2024, but he postponed the trip, citing “very heavy Tesla obligations.” Instead, he visited China just a week later, sparking speculation about Tesla prioritising other markets over India. However, with Modi’s renewed push for foreign investment and Tesla’s growing interest in the Indian EV market, a factory announcement could be back on the table.

Diplomatic and Trade Implications
The Modi-Musk meeting comes at a pivotal moment in US-India relations, with trade negotiations expected to feature prominently in Modi’s later discussions with President Trump. Trump has hinted at a major “reciprocal tariffs” announcement, which could impact Tesla’s expansion in India as well as Starlink’s regulatory hurdles.

Before his meeting with Trump, Modi also met US National Security Advisor Michael Waltz and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, both key figures in shaping America’s foreign policy approach toward India.

With Modi’s visit set to culminate in a joint press conference with Trump—an unusual move for the typically reserved Indian leader—the outcomes of these high-profile meetings could have far-reaching implications for trade, technology, and security cooperation between the two nations.