Elon Musk Likely to Call on PM Modi for Tesla in India

Elon Musk is expected to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi next week during Modi's visit to the United States. Musk is anticipated to discuss Tesla's entry into the Indian market, seeking a level-playing field with domestic carmakers and possibly early approval for Starlink to begin operations in India.

It's an important development for the future of electric vehicles and internet services in India.

Elon Musk is expected to meet Prime Minister Modi during Modi's visit to the United States from February 12 to 14.

Since PM Modi's last interaction with Elon Musk, the SpaceX and Tesla promoter now holds the position of a "special government employee" under President Donald Trump's administration. This designation allows him to work for the federal government without being a full-time employee or receiving a paycheck. Musk has been granted broad latitude to reduce the size of the federal government and has access to sensitive payment systems at the US Treasury Department.

Musk is likely to push for a level-playing field for Tesla in India, seeking lower import duties on fully built electric cars. He may also seek early approval for Starlink, a satellite-based broadband Internet service, to begin operations in India.

Tesla is exploring options to enter the Indian market and is considering launching a low-cost electric car model by June this year, with potential introduction in India by 2025.

Musk may seek more time to consider manufacturing in India due to a slowdown in EV sales globally and stiff competition from Chinese EV Makers.

Musk is also likely to discuss forging a deeper collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Musk leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which focuses on cutting costs and streamlining federal operations. This role has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the extent of his influence over public policy.