SpaceX relic for PM Modi: Elon Musk’s special gift from Starship test flight

PM Modi and Musk discussed strengthening collaboration between Indian and US entities in innovation, space exploration, artificial intelligence, and sustainable development

During his two-day visit to the United States, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. Their discussions revolved around deepening collaboration between Indian and US entities in various strategic domains.

What captured online attention, however, was the unique gift Musk presented to the Prime Minister.

Musk, heading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under the Trump administration, gifted the PM what seems to be a heatshield tile that flew aboard SpaceX’s Starship during its fifth test flight in October last year. The tile bore an inscription commemorating the event: "Starship Flight Test 5. October 13, 2024."

Starship's heatshield tiles are hexagonal ceramic components designed to safeguard SpaceX’s Starship during atmospheric reentry, shielding it from the intense heat generated as it returns to Earth.

#BREAKING :Tesla & SpaceX CEO Elon Musk gifts PM Narendra Modi a 'heat shield tile' that flew on the 5th test flight of Starship pic.twitter.com/NxVUVHmGcc

Megh Updates (@MeghUpdates) February 14, 2025

According to a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs, PM Modi and Musk discussed strengthening collaboration between Indian and US entities in innovation, space exploration, artificial intelligence, and sustainable development.

“Their discussion also touched on opportunities to deepen cooperation in emerging technologies, entrepreneurship and good governance,” the statement added.

Musk was accompanied by family members for the meeting.

“Had a very good meeting with @elonmusk 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.’,” PM Modi wrote on X.