iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to meet with billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk during his two-day visit to Washington, DC, an IANS report said.
The highly anticipated meeting, scheduled for Thursday, February 13, afternoon at the White House, comes as Modi continues his efforts to strengthen India-U.S. ties and attract foreign investment to India.
This meeting with Musk, who is the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, is significant for several reasons. The two have met multiple times in the past, with Modi visiting the Tesla facility in San Jose in 2015, where Musk personally gave him a tour.
However, the upcoming meeting is expected to carry even more weight, given Musk’s evolving role as a close ally and trusted adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump.
Musk has become a central figure in the Trump administration, even appearing at a joint news conference with Trump on Tuesday, February 11, where he showcased the substantial influence he holds in the Oval Office. Musk’s position has shifted dramatically from his past support of the Democratic Party, and he now plays a key role in efforts to streamline and improve the efficiency of the U.S. government.
While the exact agenda of the meeting remains unclear, industry sources confirm that the conversation is likely to focus on a few critical areas: artificial intelligence (AI) policy, the expansion of SpaceX’s Starlink service into India, and the potential for Tesla to open a manufacturing facility in India.
Musk had previously expressed interest in launching a more affordable Tesla model in India, although it remains uncertain whether he still plans to move forward with that idea.
Modi’s meetings with influential American business leaders are a staple of his visits to the United States, as he works to build strong ties with the private sector and attract investment to India. These meetings often revolve around opportunities to expand business and technological collaboration between the two nations.
Modi’s upcoming meeting with Musk will be especially noteworthy, given the prominence of Musk in both the business world and the Trump administration. The discussion is expected to cover a range of topics critical to future cooperation, particularly in areas such as technology and space exploration.
(Photo courtesy: IANS/PIB)
