PM Modi speaks to Elon Musk, talks tech as Tesla’s eyes India market

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke to Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk over the phone, reinforcing India's commitment to deepening ties with the United States in technology and innovation. The conversation builds on their earlier meeting in Washington DC earlier this year.

PM Modi shared details of the call on X, highlighting the immense potential for collaboration across various sectors. He emphasized India’s evolving tech ecosystem and expressed optimism about future joint initiatives with Musk’s ventures in electric vehicles, space technology, and sustainable energy.

The timing of the conversation is significant as Tesla is reportedly preparing to make its long-awaited entry into the Indian market. According to reports, the company plans to start sales operations in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore by the third quarter of this year by importing a limited number of vehicles initially.

During their February meeting in Washington, Elon Musk had personally gifted PM Modi a Starship hexagonal heatshield tile, symbolizing the strengthening bond between India’s aspirations in advanced technology sectors and Musk’s pioneering businesses.

The latest interaction also comes amid ongoing discussions between India and the US regarding import tariffs, a key factor likely to influence Tesla's long-term strategy in India. Sources indicate that Tesla has already started hiring for positions related to showrooms and deliveries, signaling its readiness for an Indian market launch.

Both leaders expressed confidence that the synergy between India's rapidly growing tech landscape and Musk's innovation-driven businesses could open new frontiers for collaboration in clean energy, space research, and future mobility.