France, Russia, UK, and the US supporting India’s permanent membership in the UN Security Council has garnered global attention, with Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, expressing admiration and signaling interest in India. In a recent post, Musk stated, “India being absent from the UN Security Council, despite being the world’s most populous country, is incongruent.”
Musk’s acknowledgment and potential support have gained significant traction, drawing attention to India’s influence on the global stage. Musk is expected to engage in activities in India in the coming days, with reports suggesting permissions for Tesla’s gigafactory and the initiation of operations at the EV manufacturing center being imminent.
While Musk awaits the final approval from the Indian government for Tesla’s operations and other ventures, his recognition of India’s UN Security Council aspirations is noteworthy. Musk’s stance on India, seen as countering China’s reluctance to support India’s permanent membership, adds another layer of significance to the tech mogul’s approach in the region.
Starlink, the satellite internet initiative by Elon Musk, has gained approval from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) for its participation in India’s satellite communication services. Reports suggest that formal permissions for operational activities in India are likely to be granted in the upcoming weeks.
Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, is set to become the third company after Jio Satellite Communications and Bharti Hexacom to receive approval for providing satellite communication services in India. The Letter of Intent (LoI) from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) positions Starlink as the third player in the sector after obtaining the necessary licenses for communication services, including those for Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) and gateway services.
The telecom watchdog’s Letter of Intent aligns with Starlink’s plans to establish a Gigafactory in India and manufacture electric cars with advanced features. The ongoing discussions also highlight Tesla’s interest in obtaining incentives for large-scale investment and the need for liberalized import norms to facilitate Tesla’s operations in the country.
Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, lauded the success of India’s space research organization, ISRO, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. Musk, who utilized SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket to launch a 4.7-ton payload satellite for ISRO in January, announced plans to assist ISRO in its future endeavors.
During Prime Minister Modi’s three-day visit to the United States in June 2023, Musk engaged in discussions and meetings with Modi, expressing admiration for India’s potential and the leadership of the Prime Minister. Musk stated, “I find India’s aspirations for the future truly inspiring. India has more challenges than any other major country, and Prime Minister Modi genuinely cares about addressing them.”
Following their interactions, Musk publicly praised Modi, calling himself a fan and stating, “I’m a Modi fan, follow Modi on X.” This endorsement came after a joint statement highlighting shared goals in space exploration and technology development between SpaceX and ISRO. Elon Musk’s positive sentiments reflect his confidence in India’s capabilities and aspirations for future achievements.
