The New York Times reported that Elon Musk joined a phone call on March 24 between US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but India's Ministry of External Affairs denied it. The leaders discussed the West Asia situation. Musk and the White House declined to comment.
On March 24, 2026, US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a phone call to exchange views on the West Asia situation, including keeping the Strait of Hormuz open. The New York Times reported on March 27, citing two US officials, that billionaire Elon Musk participated in the call, describing it as unusual for a private citizen during a wartime crisis.
India's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal responded on March 28, stating, "The telephone conversation on 24 March was between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump only." He noted it allowed views on West Asia. The government neither confirmed nor explicitly denied Musk's presence but insisted it was solely between the leaders.
The NYT said Musk did not respond to requests for comment, and the White House declined to comment on his inclusion. Prime Minister Modi posted on X that he received a call from Trump and supported de-escalation, with both agreeing to stay in touch. US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said the leaders discussed the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz.
The call occurred amid the Iran conflict and supply chain disruptions affecting Musk's companies like Tesla and Starlink. Musk's firms have growing interests in India, including Starlink receiving security clearance. However, per NYT, Musk's influence in the Trump administration has waned since his resignation from a government role in 2025.
