Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Tesla Inc. and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk at the Blair House in Washington, D.C. The meeting covered various topics, including space, mobility, technology, and innovation.
Key Discussion Points
- The Indian government’s efforts towards reform and ‘Minimum Government, Maximum Governance’ were discussed.
- Musk presented Modi with a special gift before their talks.
- The meeting also touched upon security concerns, with Starlink assuring local data storage.
Starlink’s Ambitions in India
The discussions likely revolved around Starlink’s ambitions in India, with its license application currently under review by the Department of Telecommunications. The Indian government appears to support Musk’s proposal for spectrum allocation through administrative means, despite opposition from local operators.
Potential Collaborations
Potential collaborations between SpaceX and the Indian Space Research Organization may have also been on the agenda. Additionally, Musk has been advocating for reduced tariffs on Tesla’s electric vehicles, proposing to export low-cost models to India if tariffs are lowered.
Tesla’s Entry into India
Tesla’s entry into India has been a cycle of hopes and setbacks. Musk first showed interest in 2019, and over the years, plans for imports and local manufacturing have emerged. However, regulatory hurdles and tax cut discussions have remained an obstacle.
Recent Developments
In 2023, Tesla leased office space in Pune, and Musk met PM Modi to discuss investment. Last year, Musk canceled his India visit, but the Indian government introduced new duty concessions. Tesla’s stock climbed 0.53% in after-hours trading, reaching $357.81.
Conclusion
The meeting between Modi and Musk marks a significant step towards India’s growth in the space and EV sectors. With discussions on Starlink, SpaceX, and Tesla, the future of India’s technological advancements looks promising. As the country continues to support innovation and reform, it is likely to attract more investments and collaborations in the coming years.