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Prime Minister Modi is expected to meet Elon Musk during his US visit, with discussions likely to focus on Starlink’s long-pending entry into India, according to a report by Reuters.
A report said PM Modi and Musk may discuss the regulatory challenges Starlink faces in India. (IMAGE: ANI)
Billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk is likely to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi when the Indian Prime Minister visits the US and could discuss Starlink’s entry in the South Asian market, according to Reuters.
PM Modi will meet US President Donald Trump during a two-day US visit which starts Wednesday, with discussions on trade and tariffs concessions expected to be high on agenda.
The report by Reuters said Musk is likely to hold one-on-one talks with Modi. It also said that the government expects that these could include Starlink’s long-delayed plans to launch satellite broadband services in India.
Elon Musk’s Starlink is eager to begin operations in India, but its licence application is still under review.
According to sources, Musk is willing to address India’s security concerns, including storing data locally.
Unauthorized Starlink devices have been discovered in India, raising security concerns.
During a raid by the Indian Army and Assam Rifles in Manipur in December, Starlink satellite communication equipment, including a dish and router, was recovered during a raid targeting miscreants.
The Indian Coast Guard seized a Myanmar vessel carrying over 6,000 kg of methamphetamine off the coast of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Authorities found a Starlink device believed to have been used for navigation and communication during the smuggling operation.
The report said it is unclear whether Tesla’s potential entry into India will be discussed during the meeting. However, increased sourcing of electric vehicle components from India is expected to be a key topic.
Musk has repeatedly criticised India’s high import taxes on electric cars, and his team has held multiple discussions over the years about setting up a local manufacturing unit. However, no concrete plans have been finalised yet.
Apart from Musk, PM Modi is not expected to meet any other business CEOs during his US visit, according to Reuters report.
- Location :
Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
