NEW YORK: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting on Tuesday with several prominent figures from the United States, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk. During the meeting, Musk expressed his optimism about India's future, stating that the country holds more potential than any other large nation. When asked about recent allegations made by Jack Dorsey against the Indian government, Musk asserted that his company, Twitter, must comply with local laws or face the possibility of being shut down. He emphasized that Twitter will strive to uphold freedom of speech within the boundaries of the law.
Musk also revealed his plans to visit India next year, expressing confidence that Tesla will establish a presence in the country as soon as feasible. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for his support and hinted at the potential for a significant investment in the India-Tesla relationship. Musk praised Modi's dedication to India, stating that the prime minister genuinely cares about the country and actively encourages Tesla's investment.
After the meeting, Musk addressed the media, stating, “I’m confident that Tesla will be in India, and we’ll do so as soon as humanly possible,” Musk told the media after the meeting. “We don’t want to jump the gun on an announcement, but I think it’s quite likely that there will be a significant investment, a relationship with India.”
Asked if Tesla will enter the Indian market, Musk said he is planning to visit the country next year. "I am confident that Tesla will be in India and will do so as soon as humanly possible," he said.
"I would like to thank the prime minister for his support and hopefully we will be able to announce something in the not-so-distant future," Musk said.
"We do not want to jump the gun on an announcement but I think it is quite likely that it will be a significant investment in our relationship with India," the Tesla CEO said. In a separate video statement, Musk also lauded Modi, saying he "really cares about India because he is pursuing us to make a significant investment in India." "I am a fan of Modi," he said.
Musk's positive remarks about Modi extended beyond the meeting. In a separate video statement, Musk lauded Modi, stating that he "really cares about India because he is pursuing us to make a significant investment in India." He expressed his admiration for the prime minister, saying, "I am a fan of Modi."
Musk has been actively exploring potential locations for Tesla's next factory. He recently met with French President Emmanuel Macron, who expressed France's interest in hosting a Tesla plant but acknowledged that the final decision rests with the carmaker. Italy is also considered a potential candidate.
In addition to India, Musk has engaged in discussions with other Asian nations regarding the establishment of a Tesla factory. In November, he highlighted South Korea as a top contender for investment. A decision will be made following a comprehensive evaluation of investment conditions, including factors such as labor and technology.
Prime Minister Modi's visit to the United States, which extends from June 21 to 24, includes meetings with numerous influential figures from various fields such as Nobel laureates, economists, artists, scientists, scholars, entrepreneurs, academicians, and health sector experts. Musk is among the thought leaders participating in these engagements, alongside individuals like astrophysicist and author Neil deGrasse Tyson, Nobel laureate economist Paul Romer, author Nicholas Nassim Taleb, and investor Ray Dalio.
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