Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to meet Elon Musk during his visit to the United States this week, with discussions likely to include Starlink’s long-delayed entry into the Indian market, Reuters reported, citing sources familiar with the plans.
Modi will also meet U.S. President Donald Trump during the two-day visit starting Wednesday, where trade and tariff concessions are expected to be key discussion points.
Musk is expected to hold one-on-one talks with Modi, during which India's government anticipates discussions on Starlink’s pending licence approval, Reuters reported. While India has backed Musk’s stance that satellite spectrum should be assigned rather than auctioned, Starlink’s application remains under review.
“Musk is agreeable to give assurances on India security concerns, which includes storing data locally,” Reuters quoted sources as saying.
Starlink and Modi’s office have not yet responded to requests for comment, Reuters add.
In December, Musk had said that Starlink services were inactive in India after authorities seised two of the company’s devices—one from an armed conflict zone and another linked to a drug smuggling case, the report adds.
While it remains unclear if Tesla’s entry into India will be discussed, the talks are expected to cover increased sourcing of electric vehicle components from India, according to Reuters.
Musk has repeatedly criticised India’s high import taxes on electric cars, and while discussions on setting up a local manufacturing base have taken place over the years, no concrete plans have materialised.
Other than Musk, Modi is unlikely to meet other business leaders during his U.S. visit, Reuters reported.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
