In an exclusive interview with ANI aired on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed openness to Tesla’s potential investment in India, highlighting the importance of ensuring that foreign investments align with the country’s ethos and contribute to local job creation.
Addressing the possibility of Tesla cars and Starlink, the satellite internet service by SpaceX, entering the Indian market, PM Modi emphasized that while Elon Musk’s support for India is appreciated, it is imperative that investments reflect the essence of the nation and engage its citizens in the manufacturing process.
PM Modi underscored the significance of investment in India, emphasizing the need for indigenous participation in manufacturing to generate employment opportunities for the country’s youth. He emphasized that while foreign investments are welcome, the focus should be on empowering Indian workers and infusing products with the cultural identity of the nation.
“I want investment to come in India because, in India, it doesn’t matter who has invested money, (but) the sweat put into the work must be of our own people. The product should have the essence of our soil so that our youth in the country will get employment opportunities,” PM Modi stated.
Reports suggest that Tesla is considering establishing an electric vehicle plant in India, aligning with the country’s push towards sustainable mobility solutions. Additionally, discussions regarding SpaceX’s Starlink satellite business are expected during Elon Musk’s meeting with PM Modi, with potential conditional approval for a satellite communications license in India.
The conditional approval for Starlink may include data routing restrictions and a requirement for local partnerships, signaling India’s commitment to safeguarding data privacy and promoting indigenous technological capabilities.
As Starlink currently serves over 26 lakh customers globally, its potential entry into the Indian market holds promise for enhancing connectivity and bridging the digital divide in remote areas.
PM Modi’s remarks underscore India’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for foreign investment while prioritizing local empowerment and economic development.
