NEW DELHI, Apr 19 — Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, a known associate of former US President Donald Trump, confirmed plans to visit India later this year following a phone call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“It was an honour to speak with PM Modi. I am looking forward to visiting India later this year,” Musk posted on X, a day after the two discussed India–US cooperation in space, mobility, and technology.
The phone call rekindled talks that began during PM Modi’s Washington visit, where collaboration in innovation and advanced tech featured prominently. “India remains committed to advancing our partnerships with the US in these domains,” PM Modi noted.
Musk’s visit holds economic weight as Tesla eyes a deeper entry into India’s electric vehicle market and Starlink seeks regulatory clearance to begin satellite internet operations in the country.
Delays in Musk’s planned visit last year due to “heavy Tesla obligations” had postponed the India push. Now, with Tesla scouting locations in Delhi and Mumbai — including a 4,000 sq ft office in Bandra Kurla Complex — the momentum has picked up.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal also met top Starlink executives this week in Delhi to discuss investment opportunities amid India’s growing demand for digital connectivity.
The diplomatic and commercial interest comes amid a tense US-China trade environment, with Musk’s India plans potentially benefiting from the shifting global trade equations.
