On February 13, 2025, leading tech entrepreneur Elon Musk met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the historic Blair House in Washington, D.C. Accompanied by his partner Shivon Zilis and their three children, Musk's visit sparked discussions about innovation, space exploration, and governance between the two notable figures.
PM Modi took to social media to express his delight at the encounter, stating, "It was also a delight to meet Mr. @elonmusk’s family and to talk about a wide range of subjects!" This meeting not only showcased Musk's stature as a tech leader but also highlighted the presence and influence of Zilis, who has recently stepped more publicly alongside Musk.
Shivon Zilis, aged 39, has been gaining recognition for her professional achievements as well. Born to a Canadian father and Indian mother, she has established herself as the Director of Operations and Special Projects at Neuralink, Musk's brain-chip startup. Having graduated from Yale University, she previously worked as a project director at Tesla from 2017 to 2019 and was associated with the founding team at Bloomberg Beta. Her expertise earned her placements on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list and LinkedIN's 35 Under 35, illustrating her prominence within the tech community.
Their family life has also attracted attention, particularly since the birth of their twins, Azure and Strider, via IVF, and the more recent arrival of their third child, whose details remain private. This relationship between Musk and Zilis is particularly interesting, as they have not publicly commented on the nature of their partnership. Despite their privacy, their commitment to having children reflects Musk's public assertion about addressing the global underpopulation crisis.
During the meeting, Musk and Modi engaged directly on various issues, focusing on Musk’s passions including technology, mobility solutions, and sustainable energy. Modi remarked, "Had a very good meeting with @elonmusk. We discussed various issues, including those he is passionate about, such as space, mobility, technology and innovation," illustrating the mutual interest between the two leaders.
The relationship Musk shares with his children is visibly important, as seen during the meeting when Zilis was maintaining close interaction with their kids, presumably fostering their interest and curiosity about the discussions taking place around them. Modi was seen engaging with the children, even gifting them books by renowned Indian authors, reinforcing cultural ties and educational interests.
This meeting held at the Blair House marks another milestone for Musk, who continually balances his roles as a father and business leader. He has expressed on multiple occasions the necessity for society to have more children as part of ensuring future prosperity, often discussing dire concerns surrounding declining birth rates.
Musk’s ambitions extend beyond business, aiming to reshape human potential for future generations. His biographer Walter Isaacson characterized Zilis as Musk’s “intellectual companion,” shedding light on their partnership beyond personal life. Zilis has also been vocal about the qualities she admires in Musk, noting his commitment to projects she finds existential for humanity. This acknowledgment showcases a multi-faceted relationship as co-parents and collaborators.
While public engagements like these showcase Musk's connection with global leaders, Shivon Zilis, who has largely flown under the radar, is now stepping more firmly onto the public scene alongside Musk. Her prior appearance at President Donald Trump's gala prior to his inauguration hints at her gradual emergence as Musk's confidante and partner, particularly within high-stakes social circles.
The two have previously expressed aspirations for their children through unconventional means, which has garnered media intrigue and speculation. Zilis once shared, "I can’t possibly think of genes I would prefer for my children," emphasizing her acceptance and admiration for Musk's input as both partner and co-parent.
With this meeting underscoring their relationship's complexity and ambition, the conversation surrounding Musk's continual influence as both innovator and family man remains pivotal. It’s evident this meeting between PM Modi and Musk, alongside Zilis, not only highlights technological aspirations but also serves as a window to Musk's personal commitments as he continues to navigate his vast responsibilities.
Overall, as Musk engages with world leaders like Modi, Zilis remains central to his narrative, embodying the blend of family and innovation. This high-profile meeting is yet another reflection of how personal and professional spheres intertwine for one of the world’s most notable figures.