Elon Musk and Narendra Modi Discuss Space and Technology in Washington

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, recently had a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Washington. The focus of their discussions included crucial themes such as space, technology, innovation, mobility, and governance. Modi shared details of this meeting on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the potential for collaboration in areas like artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, and effective governance.

Starlink’s Potential Entry into India

A major point of discussion was SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service and its prospective entry into the Indian marketplace. Reports from Reuters reveal that Starlink is currently facing challenges from Reliance Jio, which is owned by billionaire Mukesh Ambani, concerning the allocation of spectrum for satellite services within India. The Indian government has shown support for Musk’s position that the spectrum should be assigned rather than auctioned. Notably, the application for Starlink’s licence remains under review, a crucial factor as India looks to broaden its space industry and enhance its global competitiveness.

Elon Musk’s Global Presence

Elon Musk, known for his significant influence in the worldwide space sector, often engages with leaders around the globe. SpaceX rockets are a go-to option for satellite launches, and the Starlink network offers internet services in areas that are hard to reach. Prime Minister Modi’s previous engagements in the U.S. have resulted in major agreements related to technology and space, including India’s endorsement of the U.S. Artemis Accords in 2023, which set forth guidelines for space exploration and lunar missions.

Modi’s U.S. Visit and Other Meetings

During this two-day trip to the United States, Modi is expected to meet with former President Donald Trump, where discussions on trade and tariff concessions are anticipated. However, sources mentioned that Modi does not have any other engagements with business leaders planned. Musk’s interaction with Modi has faced critique from some lawmakers in the U.S. Democratic Senator Chris Murphy expressed concerns, asserting that Musk’s involvement with a foreign official was primarily for his own advantage instead of benefiting American interests. Trump, when asked about Musk’s role in the meeting, indicated that he would address the issue with Musk directly later that day.