WASHINGTON – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on Feb 13, where they discussed space, mobility, technology, and innovation, Modi said on X. The talks also explored deeper cooperation in emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, and good governance, according to India’s foreign ministry.
Musk’s Starlink has long sought to enter India’s satellite internet market, facing opposition from Mukesh Ambani’s company over spectrum allocation. India’s government has supported Musk’s stance that spectrum should be assigned rather than auctioned, though Starlink’s license remains under review. The decision is seen as crucial for India’s commercial space ambitions.
Musk, a key link between heads of state and SpaceX, has played a significant role in US space policy. India previously signed the US Artemis Accords in 2023 after Modi’s visit to Washington. During his two-day US trip, Modi is also set to meet US President Donald Trump, with trade and tariff concessions high on the agenda. However, sources say he is not expected to meet other business leaders.
Musk’s meeting with Modi drew criticism from Democratic Senator Chris Murphy, who accused him of acting like the Secretary of State for personal business gains. Trump, when asked about the meeting, said he would clarify whether Musk was acting as a CEO or a US government representative.