Narendra Modi and Elon Musk Discuss Innovation

WORLD

By: Lusia Pio

2/14/20251 min read

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with tech entrepreneur Elon Musk in Washington, D.C., for discussions on space, technology, and innovation.

A key highlight was India’s success in space exploration, particularly its Mangalyaan mission, which reached Mars at an unprecedentedly low cost.

Launched in 2013, the Mangalyaan mission entered Mars' orbit on its first attempt with a budget of just $74 million—a fraction of the cost of similar missions worldwide.

This achievement has positioned India as a leader in cost-effective space technology.

Following the meeting, PM Modi shared on social media:

"Had a very good meeting with @elonmusk in Washington DC. We discussed various issues, including those he is passionate about such as space, mobility, technology, and innovation.

I talked about India’s efforts towards reform and furthering ‘Minimum Government, Maximum Governance.’"

Musk, through SpaceX, has championed advancements in reusable rockets and interplanetary travel, aligning with India's focus on cost-effective and innovative solutions.

Their discussion is expected to pave the way for future collaborations in space technology, AI, and sustainable energy.

India’s continued advancements in space and technology are gaining global recognition, with its Mars mission serving as a prime example of efficiency and ingenuity on a global scale.