Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk's alleged participation in a recent phone call between US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sparked media attention and prompted clarification from the Indian government. While The New York Times reported that Musk took part in a March 24 call discussing escalating tensions in the Middle East, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India firmly denied this on Saturday, stating that the conversation was strictly between the two leaders.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed the reports, emphasizing, "We have seen the story. The telephone conversation on 24 March was between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump only." He added that the call provided an opportunity for the exchange of views on the situation in West Asia, a region experiencing heightened conflict.
The notion of a private citizen-regardless of influence or wealth-joining a conversation between heads of state is highly unusual. Generally, such calls are limited to official representatives and diplomatic personnel. Exceptions occur when family members join depending on the context; for instance, Modi had met with US Vice President J.D. Vance along with family members in France last year. Similarly, during Musk's meeting with Modi in the US last year, he was accompanied by his then partner, children, and a nanny, highlighting that personal presences can sometimes occur in less formal settings.
The New York Times' report acknowledged uncertainty over Musk's role on the call, noting, "It is unclear why Mr. Musk was on the call or whether he spoke." The report also highlighted Musk's growing interest in India as a market for his multiple ventures, including Tesla, SpaceX, and artificial intelligence ventures. Tesla, in particular, has faced challenges entering the Indian market due to tariffs on foreign automotive manufacturers. Meanwhile, Musk's satellite internet service, Starlink, is awaiting regulatory approval to operate in India, emphasizing the ongoing negotiations and business ambitions Musk holds in the country.
Musk's companies have attracted significant investments from sovereign wealth funds in Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar. His desire to expand commercial interests in India aligns with his broader global strategy. SpaceX, Musk's private aerospace firm, is reportedly considering an initial public offering (IPO) later this year, although global economic uncertainties could impact this plan.
The Times also suggested that Musk's inclusion in the call, confirmed by two US officials, indicates a renewed rapport with President Trump. The two had a falling out last summer after Musk left a government role tasked with workforce reductions. However, recent months appear to have seen a reconciliation between the billionaire and the former US president.
The content of the call itself centered on the crisis unfolding in the Middle East, with particular focus on Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz. This narrow waterway is a critical artery for global oil and gas shipments, with about 20 percent of the world's energy supply passing through it. Iran's military actions have disrupted maritime traffic, leading to surging energy prices and market instability worldwide. Some Asian countries face the prospect of fuel rationing due to the supply constraints.
The call took place on March 24, just one day after President Trump paused a five-day threat to strike Iranian energy sites, opting instead to initiate behind-the-scenes talks with Tehran. This was the first direct conversation between Trump and Modi since the war's onset on February 28, when US and Israeli forces launched attacks on Iran.
In his post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Prime Minister Modi described the exchange as "useful," reiterating India's support for de-escalation and peace restoration. He stressed the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz "open, secure and accessible," noting that both leaders agreed to maintain communication on efforts toward peace and stability.
The news of the call was initially revealed by Sergio Gor, the US ambassador to India. He tweeted that Trump and Modi discussed the ongoing Middle East situation, emphasizing the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point due to its global economic significance. Apart from oil, it carries the majority of natural gas shipments from Qatar. The closure or disruption of this waterway has adversely affected Gulf nations such as Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait, contributing to rising oil and gas prices worldwide. In India, this has translated into shortages of cooking gas and increased energy costs.
Looking more closely at Musk's relationship with Trump, it has experienced notable fluctuations. Musk supported Trump's election and played a role in efforts to reduce federal bureaucracy during the early Trump administration. For a time, Musk held the title of "special government employee" while leading the Department of Governance and Efficiency (DOGE), a task force aimed at cutting government operations and spending. However, tensions arose between Musk and other senior Trump aides, eventually leading to his departure from government work.
In recent weeks, Musk has not publicly commented on the situation or his involvement in the call despite multiple requests. The White House declined to comment on his participation, and the US embassy in India referred queries back to the White House.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, "President Trump has a great relationship with Prime Minister Modi, and this was a productive conversation," without addressing Musk's reported inclusion.
On X, the social media platform Musk owns, his remarks on the Iran crisis have been sparse. Last week, responding to a post questioning why so many countries depend on the Strait of Hormuz for global supply chains, Musk wrote simply, "We got lazy." A few days later, he shared a meme implying that disruptions in the strait could slow growth in artificial intelligence and broader economic progress.
In summary, while The New York Times suggested that Elon Musk participated in a critical phone call between the US and Indian leadership regarding the volatile Middle East situation, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has firmly denied his involvement. The call itself was significant, marking the first direct conversation between Trump and Modi since the outbreak of conflict in late February. The discussion focused on the importance of maintaining open and secure energy supply lines through the Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions with Iran. Musk's broader business interests in India and the Middle East, as well as his complex relationship with Trump, provide context to the initial report, even as official sources deny his participation in the call. The situation highlights the interconnected nature of global politics, commerce, and energy security in an increasingly tense world environment.