January 17, 2025
The India Global Forum (IGF) delegation toured SpaceX’s state-of-the-art facilities and witnessed the successful launch of Starship Flight 7
Musk highlighted India’s role as an ancient and complex civilisation with immense potential for collaboration in technology and space exploration
The meeting coincided with IGF’s US launch and addressed opportunities for digital infrastructure, innovation, and foreign investment
Closed-door discussions with members of the incoming Trump administration focused on strengthening economic ties and fostering bilateral partnerships
Tech billionaire Elon Musk welcomed a delegation of prominent Indian business leaders to SpaceX’s Starbase facility in Texas on Friday, highlighting the positive trajectory of India-US relations. Organised by the India Global Forum (IGF) as part of its US expansion, the visit included a tour of SpaceX’s advanced space exploration facilities and the successful launch of Starship Flight 7.
During a moderated discussion, Musk underlined the potential for enhanced collaboration between the United States and India, particularly in technology and space exploration. He strongly supported reducing trade barriers to boost commerce between the two nations, describing India as “one of the ancient civilisations and a very great and very complex one.”
The IGF delegation featured leading Indian business figures, including Prashant Ruia of Essar Capital, Jay Kotak of Kotak811, Ritesh Agarwal of OYO, Kalyan Raman of Flipkart, Aryaman Birla of Aditya Birla Group, and author Amish Tripathi. The delegation explored pathways to deepen bilateral engagement across digital infrastructure, foreign investment, and innovation sectors.
This high-profile interaction came just days before Donald Trump’s inauguration for a second term as US President and Musk’s potential appointment as co-chair of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Speaking about the event, IGF Founder Manoj Ladwa highlighted its significance in fostering meaningful dialogue during a crucial geopolitical transition. “India’s rise presents limitless opportunities, and this meeting signifies the potential for powerful partnerships in shaping a sustainable and technology-driven future,” he said.
The visit followed strategic discussions with members of the incoming Trump administration and US policymakers, including Jacob Helberg, the Designated Undersecretary of State for economic growth, Energy, and the Environment. These closed-door dialogues explored avenues for strengthening economic ties, driving innovation, and enhancing bilateral cooperation between India and the United States.
Source: Economic Times