Starlink in focus after Modi-Musk tech talk

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday had a telephonic conversation with US tech billionaire Elon Musk on a range of issues, including technology, fuelling expectations that Tesla and Starlink could possibly enter the Indian market soon.

- SUBHAYAN CHAKRABORTY & PUJA DAS

Musk, who's in the core team of US president Donald Trump, has been engaged with India to start a retail operation for Tesla and also to set up a manufacturing plant for the electric car in the country. In addition, Starlink, the satellite communications business of SpaceX — steered by Musk — is awaiting government approval to start its service in India.

The conversation between Modi and Musk comes against the backdrop of Trump administration's reciprocal tariffs — now on hold till July 10. The US and India are working on a bilateral trade agreement (BTA) to navigate the tariff situation.

"The PM had a constructive conversation today with Mr. Elon Musk, delving into a range of issues of mutual interest. The discussion revisited topics covered during their meeting in Washington DC earlier this year, underscoring the shared vision for technological advancement," the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement on Friday.

In a post on social media platform X, yet another of Musk's companies, Modi said India remains committed to advancing its partnerships with the US in technology and innovation.