India’s US outreach: PM Modi dials Elon Musk, to host dinner for V-P JD Vance
New Delhi: Days before US Vice-President James David Vance and his India-born wife Usha land in the country on a four-day visit starting April 21, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday dialled Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to discuss issues related with technological collaboration and others.
“Spoke to @elonmusk and talked about various issues, including the topics we covered during our meeting in Washington DC earlier this year. We discussed the immense potential for collaboration in the areas of technology and innovation. India remains committed to advancing our partnerships with the US in these domains,” PM Modi said in a social media post on X (formerly Twitter), also owned by Musk.
Their conversation took place days before US Vice-President JD Vance’s India visit from April 21 to 24. PM Modi will also host a dinner in his honour.
“India remains committed to advancing our partnerships with the US in these domains,” the PM added.
PM Modi’s post came amid escalating global tensions as countries race to sign fresh trade agreements with the United States. President Donald Trump is seeking to rebalance global trade and has criticised India for its significant tariffs on US imports.
The PM’s message came as a reassurance to Indian consumers and businesses that collaborations with American companies are still ongoing, the media reported on Friday.
His call to Musk came amid reports that Tesla is ready to start a manufacturing unit in India. Airtel and Reliance Jio have also entered into a partnership with SpaceX to bring its Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet services to users in India. The rollout will depend on SpaceX securing regulatory approval from New Delhi to offer Starlink in the country.
Meanwhile US Vice-President JD Vance, along with his wife Usha Vance, the first Indian-American Second Lady, and their children, is embarking on a four-day visit to India starting April 21.
The family’s journey will begin in New Delhi, where they will visit historical sites such as the Red Fort, followed by a meeting with key Indian leaders including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, and BJP President JP Nadda.
PM Modi will also host a formal dinner for the Vance family.
On April 22, the Vances will travel to Jaipur to explore the historic Pink City, and then proceed to Agra to witness the Taj Mahal. While the trip includes cultural exploration, it also carries significant political and economic weight, particularly concerning rising global tensions and trade negotiations.
Vice-President Vance’s visit, his first official trip to India, is centered on strengthening strategic ties and advancing the long-awaited India-US trade pact, which aims to address tariffs, supply chains, and market access.
This visit is not just diplomatic but personal as well, as Usha Vance has familial ties to a village in Andhra Pradesh. The Vances aim to introduce their children to India, making it a blend of both diplomacy and home-visiting.
