Catch all the updates from PM Modi’s US visit here.
Had a very good meeting with @elon musk 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.’ pic.twitter.com/7xNEqnxERZ
– Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 13, 2025
The Prime Minister 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.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi mets Elon Musk and his family at Blair House in Washington, DC, on Thursday, February 13. (Image: Narendra Modi/X)
Musk-owned Starlink’s licence application is currently under review by the Department of Telecommunications. The Indian government has supported Musk’s proposal for spectrum allocation through administrative means instead of auctions, a move opposed by Indian telecom operators citing unfair competition due to their higher spectrum acquisition costs.
To address security concerns, Starlink has reportedly assured the Indian government that data will be stored locally. Musk may have also explored collaboration opportunities between SpaceX and ISRO.
In December, Musk announced Starlink’s satellite internet services were inactive in India after authorities seized two devices—one from a conflict zone and another from a drug smuggling area. Additionally, Musk has been lobbying for lower tariffs on Tesla’s electric vehicles and has expressed willingness to export low-cost Tesla EV models to India if tariffs are reduced.
Just earlier, PM Modi met US National Security Advisor Michael Waltz on Thursday as part of his official visit to the United States. PM Modi, who arrived in Washington, DC, on Wednesday evening, is scheduled to hold a high-level bilateral meeting with President Donald Trump at 2.30 am IST on Friday.
The meeting with Waltz marked Modi’s first engagement of the day. Joining him were External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. The meeting centred around defence, technology, and security cooperation.
Had a fruitful meeting with NSA @michaelgwaltz. He has always been a great friend of India. Defence, technology and security are important aspects of India-USA ties and we had a wonderful discussion around these issues. There is strong potential for cooperation in sectors like… pic.twitter.com/5w3Gv2lMJ6
– Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 13, 2025
On Wednesday, shortly after arriving at Blair House, the President’s Guest House, Modi also met with US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.
Met USA’s Director of National Intelligence, @TulsiGabbard in Washington DC. Congratulated her on her confirmation. Discussed various aspects of the India-USA friendship, of which she’s always been a strong votary. pic.twitter.com/w2bhsh8CKF
– Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 13, 2025
Gabbard had taken the oath of office as the eighth Director of National Intelligence just hours before her meeting with Modi. Her swearing-in ceremony took place in the presence of President Trump.
This visit marks an important step in strengthening the strategic partnership between India and the United States.
Earlier in the day, CNBC-TV18 reported that India and the United States will sign a defence framework on Thursday, February 13, a White House official said, adding that talks on new defence procurements from India have been positive and will bring down trade deficit.
Also read: US-India defence relations to see greater synergy and growth under Trump 2.0, says General Atomics CEO
