New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is making a two-day visit to the United States, and the most anticipated moment among all is when he meets with Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. To be held at the White House, the meeting has generated excitement, particularly whether or not SpaceX’s Starlink internet service will eventually be launched in India.
Will Starlink Receive the Green Light?
Starlink has been attempting to enter the Indian market for some time now, but the process has remained in regulatory approvals. The Indian government favors allotting satellite spectrum (rather than auctioning it), which is in line with Musk’s opinion. Starlink’s license application, however, remains pending.
A major area of debate will probably be India’s security issues, specifically regarding the storage of data locally. Sources indicate that Musk is willing to offer assurances to have these concerns allayed, which would accelerate the approval process.
Challenges Along the Way
Starlink has not had an easy time in India. In December 2024, the government confiscated Starlink devices used in a connection to an armed conflict zone and a drug trafficking case, which resulted in the suspension of services for a while. The events have been causing worries about safety and calling for stringent regulations.
What About Tesla?
Although it is uncertain if Tesla’s entry into India will be a headline-grabber, chances are good that the conversation will cover supplying more electric vehicle (EV) parts from India. Musk has repeatedly lambasted India’s import duties on electric vehicles, which have held up Tesla’s plans to produce cars locally. Negotiations between the Indian government and Tesla have been going on, but no significant breakthrough has occurred so far.
Can AI Be on the Agenda?
Aside from Starlink and Tesla, AI (artificial intelligence) could also be discussed. Last week, PM Modi had a meeting with Google CEO Sundar Pichai in Paris to talk about AI policies and India’s expanding digital economy. With Musk’s growing involvement in the AI sector, this could be another important point of discussion.
A High-Profile Meeting
Interestingly, PM Modi is not meeting any other business leaders during this visit, so his one-on-one meeting with Musk makes it even more important. It’s also the first time he is meeting Musk since Musk became a prominent player in the Trump administration.
As Modi and Musk meet for a discussion, everybody is looking forward to the day when this sit-down will ultimately pave the way for Starlink’s entry in India. Be it getting the regulatory go-ahead, tackling issues of security, or working towards new joint ventures in EVs and AI, this sit-down could significantly contribute to India’s future in the tech sector.
