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Elon Musk pitches for India after meeting PM Modi in New York
PM Modi in US: The Tesla boss declared himself a 'fan' of prime minister Modi in their first meeting since he bought Twitter for $44 billion last year.
Twitter boss Elon Musk on Wednesday declared himself 'incredibly excited about the future of India' and that it had more to offer the world than any other large country. Musk's praise came after what he said was an 'excellent' meeting with prime minister Narendra Modi in New York this morning, after which he underlined the PM 'really cares about India' and that he had spoken passionately about electric car maker Tesla, Inc. investing in the country.
For his part Modi - who met Musk for the first time since he bought out Twitter in a headline-grabbing $44 billion deal last year - tweeted, "Great meeting you today Elon Musk! We had multifaceted conversations on issues ranging from energy to spirituality."
To this, Musk replied, "It was an honour to meet again."
"I am incredibly excited about the future of India. It has more promise than any other large country in the world and the PM really cares about India... because he is pursuing us to make a significant investment... which is something we need to do. In a nutshell, it was a fantastic meeting with the prime minister."
"I am a fan of PM Modi," Musk told reporters after the meet.
READ | 'PM Modi really wants to do right things for India': What Musk said
"He wants to be open... he wants to be supportive of new companies and make sure it accrues to India's advantage. Which, obviously, that's the job," the billionaire investor added.
On investment in India
Musk, though reluctant to confirm, said there will likely be further investment.
"We do not want to jump the gun on an announcement but I think it is quite likely it will be a significant investment in our relationship with India," he said.
READ | 'Plan to visit India next year': Musk after 'excellent' meet with Modi
On Tesla plant in India
On plans to set up a Tesla manufacturing base in India, Musk said, "I am confident Tesla will be in India and will do so as soon as humanly possible."
He also thanked Modi for his support and said, “... hopefully we will be able to announce something in the not so distant future.”
Watch: 'Modi really cares about India': Elon Musk after meeting PM
Tesla executives visited India in May and spoke with ministers and government officials about a manufacturing base for cars and batteries. Musk had said Tesla is likely to pick a location for a new factory by the end of this year and that India is an 'interesting' option.
Tesla last year shelved its India entry plans due to high import tax structures.
Meanwhile, while nothing has been said yet, speculation suggests Musk might also be looking at solar energy after calling India 'great' for such investment.
PM Modi's US visit
PM Modi is visiting the United States at the invitation of president Joe Biden.
This is a historic meeting between the two world leaders because it is Modi's first State visit to the US and only the third of Biden's term so far, underlining the strength of America-India relations.
The focus of the PM's visit is expected to be defence and advanced weapons technology, with an agreement for the $3 billion purchase of 31 high altitude, long endurance military drones among the highlights.
READ | India to acquire F-414 engines and deterrence with MQ-9B drones
Hindustan Times has also reported on the US administration pushing through approvals for the manufacture of GE-F414 jet engines in India and other deliverables in space, higher education and semiconductor manufacturing.
READ | Defence, technology on agenda as PM Modi begins key US visit
The main highlight, though, of Modi's US visit is the State dinner at the White House which he will be hosted by president Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden.
