Intro: MEA clarifies details of Modi-Trump call, denies Elon Musk’s presence amid reports by US media

New Delhi

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday rejected reports claiming Elon Musk was part of a recent phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump.

In an official statement, the MEA said the March 24 conversation was strictly between the two leaders. It added that the call focused on exchanging views regarding the situation in West Asia. The clarification came after a report by The New York Times suggested Musk had joined the discussion.

Responding to the report, the MEA stated that no third party was involved in the call. It reiterated that only Modi and Trump participated in the conversation.

Earlier, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the interaction between the two leaders as productive. She highlighted that Trump shares a strong relationship with Modi and values such discussions on global issues.

Musk’s presence in the call was unusual, as private individuals rarely take part in conversations between heads of state. The report also suggested that Musk’s involvement indicated improving ties with Trump.

The development follows a previous fallout between Trump and Musk after the billionaire stepped down from a government role linked to workforce reforms under the Department of Government Efficiency.

However, recent reports indicate that relations between the two have stabilised. Despite this, the MEA firmly denied Musk’s participation, emphasizing that the diplomatic exchange remained strictly between the two leaders.