Prime Minister Narendra Modi may meet Elon Musk during his US visit, with discussions likely on the potential entry of Starlink broadband into India.

PM Modi US Trip: Possible Meeting with Elon Musk, Discussion on Starlink’s Entry into India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi may meet Elon Musk during his visit to the United States. Discussions are expected to focus on the potential entry of Starlink broadband into India, according to two individuals familiar with the plan. PM Modi has arrived for his two-day US visit, during which he will also meet former US President Donald Trump. It is anticipated that their discussions will include concerns over the heavy tariffs imposed by the US.

Starlink Broadband’s Entry into India

During this visit, PM Modi may also hold talks with Elon Musk. According to Reuters, two sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the Indian government hopes discussions will include plans for Starlink broadband services in India. Starlink’s launch in India has been delayed for a long time. While the company has been eager to enter the Indian market, it faces competition from Mukesh Ambani’s firm over the allocation of satellite spectrum by the Indian government. However, there has been no official comment from either side regarding a potential Modi-Musk meeting.

In December, Elon Musk stated that Starlink’s satellite internet services in India were currently inactive. He also revealed that Indian authorities had seized two of the company’s devices.

Review of License Application

The Indian government agrees with Musk’s stance that spectrum should be allocated rather than auctioned. However, Starlink’s license application is still under review. Meanwhile, Mukesh Ambani is lobbying in New Delhi to protect his business interests. Ambani’s company is concerned that despite spending $19 billion on airwave auctions, it may lose customers to Starlink’s advanced technology.

A source also mentioned that Musk has addressed India’s security concerns, agreeing to store data locally.

It remains unclear whether Tesla’s entry into India will be part of Modi and Musk’s discussions. Notably, Musk has long criticized India’s high import taxes on electric vehicles. While his team has expressed interest in establishing a manufacturing base in India for years, no concrete plans have materialized yet.

Apart from Musk, Modi is not expected to meet any other business CEOs during his US visit.