PM Modi likely to meet Elon Musk during US visit
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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, set to visit the United States later this month, is expected to meet Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, in addition to his planned discussions with President Donald Trump.
Musk, who is among a select group of CEOs scheduled to meet PM Modi on February 13, is likely to address key issues concerning his businesses. As the head of the newly-established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk may advocate for a level playing field for Tesla's electric vehicles in India and seek regulatory approvals for his satellite internet service, Starlink. Additionally, he is expected to push for increased collaboration between Tesla and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Although no official confirmation of the meeting has been made, the talks are anticipated to touch on Musk's business interests in India, including his plans for expanding Tesla's presence and supporting India's energy infrastructure through the “Powerwall” battery storage system.
Musk's planned visit to India had been delayed last year due to Tesla's global challenges, including negative growth in China and large-scale layoffs. Musk had previously expressed his intention to visit India later in 2023, noting heavy business commitments as the reason for the postponement.
Following Modi's re-election for a record third term in June, Musk congratulated the Prime Minister, expressing eagerness for his companies to engage in exciting ventures in India. In response, PM Modi highlighted India's business-friendly environment, bolstered by its young workforce, stable democracy, and predictable policies.
PM Modi’s visit to the United States follows his participation in the AI Summit in Paris on February 11-12.
With IANS inputs