NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on the way to the United States for his two-day visit, will meet Tesla CEO Elon Musk there and possibly they will discuss whether the South Asian market will open the door for Starlink or not, according to Reuters.
During his two-day visit, PM Modi will meet US President Donald Trump, where trade and tariffs could be the main topics of their discussions. He will also meet several leaders, including Elon Musk, over potential initiatives like Starlink’s satellite broadband services in India, as reported by Reuters.
The discussion between Musk and PM Modi could focus on Starlink’s operational plans in India. The government has shown support for Musk’s position on spectrum allocation rather than auction, though Starlink’s licence application remains under review.
“Musk is agreeable to give assurances on India security concerns, which includes storing data locally,” a source disclosed to Reuters.
In December, Starlink’s internet service was suspended in India following the confiscation of two company devices – one found in a conflict zone and another in a drug trafficking incident, according to Reuters.
Sources indicate uncertainty about whether Tesla’s India entry would be discussed during the Musk-Modi meeting. However, discussions may include increasing India’s role in electric vehicle component manufacturing.
PM Modi’s US visit follows his three-day stay in France. This marks his first US trip since President Trump began his second presidential term. The visit encompasses meetings with President Trump over two days.
“Although this will be our first meeting following his historic electoral victory and inauguration in January, I have a very warm recollection of working together in his first term in building a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership between India and the US,” PM Modi stated before departure.
“This visit will be an opportunity to build upon the successes of our collaboration in his first term and develop an agenda to further elevate and deepen our partnership, including in the areas of technology, trade, defence, energy, and supply chain resilience. We will work together for the mutual benefit of the people of our two countries and shape a better future for the world,” he concluded.
