'Assume he wants to...': President Donald Trump on why he believes Elon Musk met PM Modi

Elon Musk has wanted to launch Starlink in India, however has faced setbacks due to clashes with Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Jio services.

Published on: Feb 14, 2025, 01:26:18 IST

By HT News Desk

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US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he assumed that SpaceX CEO Elon Musk met prime minister Narendra Modi, at Blair House in Washington DC earlier today, in order to do business in India, reported Reuters.

Elon Musk meets Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (@narendramodi via X via REUTERS)

Notably, Elon Musk has long wanted to launch his internet satellite service Starlink in India, however has faced setbacks due to clashes with Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Jio services.

Also Read: PM Modi discusses 'Minimum Government, Maximum Governance' with Elon Musk in Washington

PM Modi might have discussed the entry of Elon Musk's satellite internet service, reported Reuters. Though India's government has backed Elon Musk and stated that the spectrum should be assigned and not auctioned, Starlink's licence application is still under review.

Also Read: Modi begins US visit, holds meetings with Waltz, Musk

In a post on social media platform X, Modi spoke about the wide-ranging discussions he had with the DOGE chief (Department of Government Efficiency) and said, “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.’”

Also Read: PM Modi lands in Washington for key 2-day US trip amid Trump tariff threats | What's on agenda?

India's external affairs ministry stated that Musk and prime minister Modi discussed the opportunities to improve collaboration on emerging technologies, entrepreneurship and good governance between the two nations.

"Their discussion also touched on opportunities to deepen cooperation in emerging technologies, entrepreneurship and good governance, India's foreign ministry separately said in a statement.

PM Modi met Indian-origin entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, Tulsi Gabbard, the director of national intelligence and National Security Advisor (NSA) Michael Waltz as well.

The much-anticipated talks between US President Trump and PM Modi come at a pivotal time, following Donald Trump's recent threats to levy tariffs on countries he deems to be ‘harming’ the US economy; including India.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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