PM Modi Engages with Elon Musk to Strengthen India-US Technological Collaboration
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Synopsis
On April 18, PM Modi discussed with Elon Musk the potential collaborative opportunities in technology and innovation, emphasizing India’s commitment to enhancing ties with the US. The conversation comes as Tesla plans to enter the Indian market amidst ongoing trade negotiations.
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi and Elon Musk discussed collaboration in technology and innovation.
- India is eager to strengthen ties with the US in these domains.
- Starlink is planning significant investments in India.
- Satellite internet is vital for rural connectivity in India.
- SpaceX is a pioneer in commercial space travel.
New Delhi, April 18 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in discussions with Tesla CEO Elon Musk on a variety of subjects, focusing on the vast opportunities for partnership in the fields of technology and innovation.
“I had a conversation with Elon Musk where we revisited several points from our earlier meeting in Washington DC this year. We explored the remarkable potential for collaboration in the sectors of technology and innovation. India is dedicated to enhancing our partnerships with the US in these areas,” PM Modi stated on X.
Earlier this year, the Prime Minister met Musk during his visit to the US in February.
“Our meeting in Washington DC was very fruitful. We talked about various topics, including those Musk is passionate about, such as space, mobility, technology, and innovation. I shared insights regarding India’s commitment to reform and the principle of ‘Minimum Government, Maximum Governance’,” PM Modi remarked on X following their meeting.
In a subsequent post, PM Modi shared delightful moments with Musk's family, captioning, “It was a pleasure to meet Mr. Elon Musk’s family and discuss a variety of subjects!”
This dialogue between PM Modi and Musk is timely as Tesla is reportedly on the verge of entering the Indian market, coinciding with ongoing negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement between India and the US.
Moreover, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met with key executives from Elon Musk’s Starlink in Delhi on Wednesday to deliberate on the company’s investment ambitions in India.
“I met with a delegation from Starlink, including Vice President Chad Gibbs and Senior Director Ryan Goodnight. We discussed Starlink's advanced technology platform, their current partnerships, and future investment plans in India,” Piyush Goyal shared on X following the meeting.
This meeting occurs against the backdrop of domestic telecom companies like Airtel exploring collaborations with a US firm to potentially launch satellite telecom services in India.
Additionally, Vodafone Idea has expressed interest in collaborating with Starlink to facilitate satellite communication services within India.
Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia emphasized the necessity for satellite internet in India, particularly in rural regions.
The minister pointed out that there are many remote areas of the country where fiber or mobile connectivity is unattainable. Thus, satellite internet can ensure comprehensive coverage.
He underscored the complementary role of these services, asserting that India is committed to providing consumers with terrestrial, fiber, and satellite communications.
He also noted that in the event of natural disasters that damage telecom towers and fiber networks, satellite communications can step in to bridge the gap during emergencies.
Starlink has yet to obtain a regulatory license to commence operations in India and is awaiting the government’s updated spectrum pricing regulations.
Scindia mentioned that any entity can apply for a license as long as it complies with national regulations.
Starlink, owned by SpaceX, a venture founded by Elon Musk, is a satellite internet service aimed at delivering high-speed internet access globally.
SpaceX is the first private enterprise to successfully transport astronauts to and from the International Space Station and has also completed an all-civilian crew mission to orbit.
