MOHAMMAD ZIYAUDDIN
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During his official visit to the United States, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Tesla CEO Elon Musk in Washington DC to discuss key technological collaborations. The meeting focused on several topics, including the pending approval of Starlink’s license in India, space exploration, and artificial intelligence.
Meeting Highlights
PM Modi shared pictures of his meeting with Musk, as well as Musk's partner and Neuralink Director Shivon Zilis. Musk also posted the photos on his X timeline, captioning them: “It was an honor to meet.” Musk’s family also gifted a special piece of memorabilia to PM Modi during the meeting.
The meeting took place at Blair House, where Musk, who heads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in the Trump administration, welcomed PM Modi. Musk was accompanied by three of his children—X, Strider, and Azure.
Special Gift from Musk to PM Modi
In a symbolic gesture, Musk presented PM Modi with a Starship hexagonal heatshield tile, a key component used in SpaceX’s spacecraft. This thoughtful gift reflects Musk’s involvement in space exploration and his growing relationship with India.
PM Modi’s Tweet on the Meeting
Following the meeting, PM Modi tweeted, “Had a very good meeting with Elon Musk 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.’”
Strengthening US-India Technological Partnerships
The discussions between PM Modi and Musk also followed Musk’s engagement with US National Security Advisor Michael Waltz. PM Modi was joined by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. The meeting marked India’s continued focus on deepening technological ties with the United States.
An official statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) highlighted the focus on areas such as sustainable development, AI, space exploration, and governance reforms. The talks were part of PM Modi’s broader agenda to foster stronger technological partnerships between India and the US.
According to the PMO, the discussion also touched upon opportunities to expand cooperation in emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, and good governance.
A Diplomatic Visit with Strategic Goals
This visit marks PM Modi’s first trip to the US since Donald Trump began his second term. The Prime Minister’s itinerary includes important discussions with senior US officials and a scheduled meeting with President Trump.
The meeting with Musk further underscores India’s commitment to advancing innovation and technological development. It also highlights the role businesses like Starlink can play in India’s growing digital landscape. This visit is expected to pave the way for enhanced collaboration between Indian and American enterprises, particularly in technology and space sectors.
