Modi set to meet Musk for possible Starlink talks during US trip

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to meet Elon Musk during his two-day U.S. visit this week, with Starlink’s delayed entry into India likely to be on the agenda, two sources familiar with the plans told Reuters on Wednesday.

Modi will also meet U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss trade issues, including tariff concessions, during the visit.

Musk is expected to hold one-on-one talks with Modi to discuss Starlink’s satellite broadband services.

Starlink has long sought entry into India but has faced delays, including opposition from billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s telecom company, which has pushed for a spectrum auction rather than assignment.

India’s government has sided with Musk on assigning spectrum, but Starlink’s license application remains under review.

Ambani’s company spent $19 billion in spectrum auctions and fears losing broadband, data, and voice customers to Starlink as technology advances.

“Musk is agreeable to give assurances on India’s security concerns, including storing data locally,” one source said.

Starlink’s operations in India were paused after authorities seized two of its devices last year in separate incidents involving an armed conflict zone and a drug smuggling case.

It is unclear if the talks will touch on Tesla’s entry into India, though sourcing of electric vehicle components from India may be discussed. Musk has repeatedly criticized India’s high import taxes on electric cars, though local manufacturing talks have not materialized.

Modi is not expected to meet other business CEOs during the trip, according to the sources.