President Donald Trump has recently shared his thoughts on the meeting between Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that he is closely monitoring Musk’s potential conflicts of interest while overseeing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
The meeting between Musk and Modi took place in Washington, D.C. on February 13, where they engaged in discussions about space and technology, according to a report by Fortune. Trump expressed uncertainty about whether Musk met with Modi as a private citizen or a government employee, emphasizing that as long as there is no conflict of interest, he sees no issue with their interaction.
“I don’t know,” Trump admitted to reporters at the White House when asked about the nature of Musk’s meeting with Modi. “They met, and I assume he wants to do business in India. I guess if there’s no conflict then what difference does it make?”
Despite Musk’s prominent roles at SpaceX and Tesla, both major players in the space and technology sectors, his meeting with Modi would typically raise no concerns. However, with Musk currently serving as a special government employee under the Trump administration, questions regarding the alignment of his personal interests with his public service duties have surfaced.
Trump made it clear that he is personally monitoring Elon Musk’s conflicts of interest, particularly in relation to his involvement with SpaceX, Tesla, and the Department of Government Efficiency. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt mentioned that Musk would be responsible for recusing himself if any conflicts were to arise.
In the past, Musk had expressed intentions to travel to India to meet with Modi in April of the previous year, with plans to explore the possibility of establishing a new Tesla facility. However, by July 2024, the discussions had stalled, as reported by Bloomberg via Fortune. Musk’s interests in India extend beyond Tesla, with his satellite company, Starlink, awaiting regulatory approval in the country.
In December, Musk addressed concerns about Starlink’s operations in India, denying allegations that his satellites were being exploited for malicious purposes. The Indian Army had seized weapons and ammunition connected to criminal activities in the Manipur state, with a box bearing the Starlink logo visible in a photo shared by the army.
As the relationship between Musk, Modi, and Trump continues to unfold, the potential implications of their interactions on global business and technology landscapes remain a topic of interest. With Musk’s diverse ventures spanning multiple industries and geographic regions, the scrutiny surrounding his involvement in governmental affairs underscores the complexities of navigating personal and professional boundaries in today’s interconnected world.
Through ongoing dialogue and transparency, the key stakeholders involved aim to navigate these intricate dynamics with integrity and accountability, ensuring that the pursuit of innovation and collaboration remains at the forefront of their endeavors.
