PM Modi, Elon Musk discuss India-US ties in technology, innovation
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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a significant discussion with Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Friday, focusing on the vast potential for collaboration in technology and innovation between India and the US. The conversation covered topics previously discussed during their meeting in Washington, D.C. earlier this year. PM Modi expressed India’s commitment to advancing partnerships with the US, particularly in these key sectors.
The Prime Minister had met Musk during his visit to the US in February, where they talked about various areas, including Musk’s interests in space, mobility, technology, and innovation. PM Modi highlighted India’s ongoing efforts towards reforms aimed at enhancing governance.
In a lighthearted moment, PM Modi also shared glimpses of his meeting with Elon Musk’s family, mentioning his joy in engaging with Musk’s children while discussing a wide range of subjects.
The timing of this discussion is significant, as Tesla is reportedly preparing to enter the Indian market. It also coincides with ongoing negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement between India and the US, strengthening ties between the two countries.
In another development, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met with top executives of Elon Musk's Starlink in Delhi on Wednesday to discuss the company’s plans to invest in India. The meeting, which included Vice President Chad Gibbs and Senior Director Ryan Goodnight, focused on Starlink’s advanced technology platform, existing partnerships, and future investment plans in the country.
Starlink's entry into India is seen as pivotal, especially as domestic telecom companies like Airtel are exploring the launch of satellite telecom services. Vodafone Idea is also in discussions with Starlink for providing satellite communication services in India. Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia emphasized the need for satellite internet, particularly in rural areas where traditional telecom infrastructure is limited.
The minister noted that satellite internet services could play a crucial role in ensuring 100% coverage in remote areas, and also help in emergencies when natural disasters disrupt telecom networks. However, Starlink is still awaiting a regulatory license to begin operations in India and is waiting for the government’s updated rules on spectrum pricing.
Starlink, owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, aims to provide high-speed internet access globally. SpaceX has made history as the first private company to deliver astronauts to and from the International Space Station and recently completed an all-civilian crew mission to orbit.
With IANS inputs