PM Modi Meets Elon Musk in Washington; Trump Uncertain About Meeting’s Official Capacity
Washington, D.C. February 14, 2025
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met American billionaire Elon Musk in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, ahead of his official engagement with U.S. President Donald Trump. The meeting, which covered key areas such as space, technology, and governance, has drawn significant attention due to Musk’s current role as head of the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—a newly formed White House division tasked with streamlining federal spending.
While the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the discussion as part of broader U.S.-India cooperation in emerging technologies, President Trump later expressed uncertainty regarding Musk’s role in the meeting, stating that he was “unsure in what capacity” the U.S. entrepreneur met the Indian Prime Minister.
Key Discussions: Technology, Space, and Governance
Following the meeting, Prime Minister Modi shared an update on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the range of topics discussed:
“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’.”
The MEA’s official statement also emphasized that the discussion focused on deepening bilateral cooperation in entrepreneurship, technology, and governance reform, aligning with India’s ambitions in digital innovation and sustainable mobility.
Musk’s Business Interests in India
Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralink, has long expressed strong business interests in India, particularly in the electric vehicle (EV) and space technology sectors.
Tesla’s Entry into India: With India’s growing EV market, Tesla has been in talks with Indian authorities to set up a manufacturing facility. SpaceX and ISRO Collaboration: India’s space ambitions have expanded significantly, and SpaceX’s expertise in satellite technology and interplanetary exploration could open new avenues for collaboration with ISRO. Neuralink and AI Research: As AI and biotechnology evolve, India’s rapidly growing tech ecosystem presents opportunities for partnerships in brain-machine interface technology.
Trump’s Reaction: Uncertainty Over Meeting’s Official Status
Despite Musk’s prominent role in U.S. governance and his close association with Trump, the U.S. President later stated that he was unsure of Musk’s official capacity in the meeting with Modi. This has raised speculation about whether the discussion was:
- An official diplomatic engagement as part of Musk’s government role.
- A business-focused conversation centered on Tesla and SpaceX’s interests in India.
- A strategic dialogue exploring future U.S.-India technology cooperation.
Family Presence at the Meeting
Photos from the event indicated a formal setting, with both the U.S. and Indian national flags displayed, a setup usually reserved for meetings between heads of state. However, Musk was accompanied by:
- His partner Shivon Zilis, who is also a director at Neuralink.
- Three of his children Azure, Strider (from Zilis), and X (from ex-partner Grimes).
This unconventional family presence further contributed to uncertainty regarding the nature of the meeting.
