Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on Thursday in Washington, where they discussed key topics including space exploration, mobility, technology, and innovation. Modi shared details of the meeting on X, highlighting opportunities for deeper collaboration in emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, and governance.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs also confirmed the discussions, emphasizing the significance of strengthening technological cooperation between India and the United States. The meeting comes amid growing interest in expanding space-based communications and satellite services in India, particularly with Musk’s SpaceX seeking to introduce its Starlink satellite internet network in the country.

Starlink has been eager to launch operations in India but has faced regulatory hurdles, including competition from billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s telecom venture. The Indian government has aligned with Musk’s stance that satellite spectrum should be assigned rather than auctioned, but Starlink’s license application remains under review.

The meeting has drawn attention due to Musk’s influential role in U.S. policy discussions. Some Democratic lawmakers have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, questioning whether Musk was engaging as a private business leader or in a broader government-linked capacity.

Modi’s visit to the U.S. has historically led to significant decisions on technology and space cooperation. In 2023, India signed the U.S.-led Artemis Accords, setting the framework for lunar exploration and space collaboration. Modi is also expected to meet former U.S. President Donald Trump during his visit, with trade and tariff discussions expected to be key topics.

While Musk’s role in the meeting remains a point of debate, his growing influence in global policy and space technology continues to shape discussions on the future of space-based communications and commercial space activities.