‘I am a fan of Modi’: Elon Musk on his friendship with Indian Prime Minister Modi
NBCJun 06, 2023
The Facts
On Tuesday, Tesla CEO Elon Musk met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as part of Modi's visit to the US. The two reportedly discussed expanding Tesla's investment in India, with Musk telling reporters afterward that Tesla will enter the Indian market "as soon as humanly possible."
Last month, Tesla and India restarted discussions to expand into the Indian market after earlier negotiations stalled. Modi and Musk are also believed to have discussed sustainable power generation in India, as well as the potential expansion of Starlink internet service in the country.
The Spin
Right narrative
India's emergence as an economic superpower is now impossible to ignore, as Modi has met with titans of the industry during his visit to America. To have the endorsement of one of the world's most successful men bodes well for India's prospects under the Modi government. Luminaries from finance to science have been lining up to gain insight from the Prime Minister and explore opportunities for investment and collaboration, showing that the best of India's development is yet to come.
Left narrative
It is curious that the current owner of Twitter, and free speech advocate, would cozy up to the man who threatened to shut down the site if they didn't comply with government demands. This is one of many human rights concerns under Modi's rule, and Musk should not be effusively praising a leader with such a checkered past. Elon Musk appears to be abandoning his principles in the pursuit of profit, and should not engage with Modi in such an uncritical manner.
