Amidst escalating conflicts and increased hostilities in the Middle East, India has categorically denied media reports claiming that billionaire technology entrepreneur Elon Musk was in attendance at a personal wartime telephone call between Donald Trump and Narendra Modi. The statement was issued after various global news outlets reported that the owner of Tesla, Inc., as well as SpaceX, was privy to the telephone conversation between the two leaders regarding the ongoing disputes involving Iran.
The Ministry of External Affairs for India confirmed that the conversation of March 24 was exclusively a bilateral telephone call between the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, and the President of the United States, Donald Trump.
India Sets the Record Straight
The officials from MEA have refuted all claims that Musk was involved in any high-level diplomatic exchanges. “We have noted the news articles. The telephone conversation that occurred on 24/3 was between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump only,” said a spokesperson. The conversation primarily focused on the fast-changing geopolitical environment in West Asia, especially as it pertains to the escalation in military hostilities between Iran and all surrounding nations, including Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Israel.
The government further reiterated that Prime Minister Modi and President Trump were able to have a discussion about both leaders’ perspectives on regional stability and on potential diplomatic pathways to reduce tensions.
Report Triggered by New York Times Claim
A New York Times article cites US sources who claim that Musk may have been part of a discussion involving two national leaders (the President of Ukraine and the President of Russia). However, the article acknowledges that it is unclear if he spoke during this call or how he would have been involved in this sensitive conversation between governments. Following the allegations made by the newspaper, the Indian government moved quickly to denounce those claims, likely in an effort to quash rumours relating to allegations about Indian involvement in supporting or collaborating with Russia.
First Trump–Modi Contact Since Iran Strikes
On March 24, Trump and Modi communicated directly for the first time since both America and Israel attacked Iran. This attack triggered an escalating crisis in the surrounding region, while at the same time creating fear of a prolonged conflict in the Gulf region.
Regarding the attack, Modi tweeted it was a good conversation with Trump. He made this statement about their conversation: “Today I spoke with President Trump … we talked about the current events in West Asia and how the Indian government supports reducing tensions as quickly as possible and restoring peace there.”
Strait of Hormuz at the Centre of Global Concern
An important part of the conversation during the conference was about protecting the Strait of Hormuz, which is one of the most important places in the world for shipping oil. About one out of every five barrels of oil in the whole world goes through the Strait of Hormuz, so it is vital for the global economy. Prime Minister Modi stressed that it is essential to keep the strait open and safe and to keep it from being closed for any reason, as this could cause very serious negative repercussions to the world’s economies. The current tensions around the Strait have elevated oil prices and have caused international financial markets to be very nervous.
War Threats and Diplomatic Signals
Iranian officials have warned that strikes may occur on industrial and military sites in response to continued attacks on them. As part of an escalating conflict, there has also been an increase in airstrikes on Iranian weapons facilities and military installations. Those strikes have reportedly impacted multiple industrial sites, including steel plants and two nuclear facilities. However, Iran has thus far reported no radioactive contamination as a result of the attacks against their country.
India Calls for De-Escalation
During this time of crisis, India has been very clear in its call for restraint as well as a diplomatic approach.
India has continued to support efforts to de-escalate tension and restore stability in the Gulf region, where they have significant interests in energy and their expatriate workforce.
Currently, the Government of India asserts that the phone conversation between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi was a routine diplomatic phone call — it was not intended for anything other than that.
New Delhi wants to be understood by the world: there are no billionaires, and there were not any “secret” people — just two leaders of countries talking about one of the most dangerous situations in the world today.
