During his recent visit to Washington, D.C., Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged with key figures including Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and Indian-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. These discussions focused on strengthening India-US relations, particularly around technology, trade, and defense.
The Prime Minister's whirlwind two-day trip, which took place on February 12-13, 2025, was marked by high-profile meetings starting with US National Security Advisor Michael Waltz. The duo's conversation highlighted the importance of defense and technology cooperation, with Modi referring to Waltz as "a great friend of India." Modi noted, "Defence, technology, and security are important aspects of India-USA ties, and we had a wonderful discussion around these issues."
Later, Modi met with Elon Musk at Blair House. The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction with their talks, which covered innovations and future collaborations. Modi remarked, "Had a very good meeting with Elon Musk... We discussed various issues including those he is passionate about such as space, mobility, technology and innovation." There was specific interest from the Indian government about Musk's Starlink project, which aims to provide satellite broadband services, potentially opening new avenues for connectivity across India.
Following his meeting with Musk, Modi turned his attention to the Indian-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. Ramaswamy, who has openly praised Modi for his leadership and termed him a “great leader” for his role in reviving India's national pride, expressed enthusiasm about their discussions. "It was a pleasure and honour to welcome Prime Minister Modi here. Hope he has a wonderful visit and it was a great meeting," Ramaswamy said, underscoring the potential for future collaborations between Indian and American entrepreneurs.
Prior to these engagements, PM Modi met Tulsi Gabbard, the newly appointed Director of National Intelligence, emphasizing the existing friendship and discussing the depths of the India-US relationship. Modi took to social media platform X to share the outcome of their meeting, where they congratulated Gabbard on her recent position and reflected on their shared commitments to the two nations.
Modi's visit came at a pivotal time as US President Donald Trump had just announced sweeping "reciprocal tariffs" before the two leaders' anticipated bilateral meeting. This meeting, moderated by significant geopolitical tensions and economic discussions, marks Modi’s first official engagement with Trump since the President's recent inauguration. There is speculation about whether Modi can avert potential tariff clashes and strike favorable terms for India.
Throughout his interactions, the Prime Minister showcased India's commitments—emphasizing reforms encapsulated by his mantra of "Minimum Government, Maximum Governance." This aligns with his agenda to streamline India’s growth and innovation pathways, attracting foreign investments and fostering sustained economic ties.
Another layer to Modi's visit involved discussions around immigration policies and their impact on Indian nationals, especially following reports of deportations from the US. Modi's administration seeks to address these concerns, continuing to advocate for the Indian diaspora's rights within the US.
Understanding these dynamics, the meetings between Modi and these influential leaders have far-reaching implications for technology and trade relations between India and the US, potentially setting the tone for cooperation under Trump's administration over the next four years.
PM Modi's strategic conversations during such high-stakes meetings, alongside the potential for significant bilateral agreements, indicate both optimism and caution on how collaborations could transform various sectors—including technology, defense, and trade. This visit is more than just diplomatic; it reflects India's aspirations to be seen as a formidable player on the global stage.
With the backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions, Modi's ability to engage effectively with US counterparts will be pivotal as both nations seek to navigate their complex relationship moving forward, particularly through the lens of innovative partnerships and economic resilience.