The White House described a recent phone conversation between US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “productive,” after reports that Tesla and X owner Elon Musk was on the line during discussions about the West Asia conflict. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told PTI the leaders have a “great relationship” and that the call had been productive when asked about The New York Times report.
The New York Times, citing unnamed US officials, said Musk’s participation was an uncommon instance of a private citizen appearing on a call between two heads of state amid a wartime crisis. Two US officials confirmed that Musk was included on the call, a detail the paper suggested may indicate improved ties between Musk and the President following a public falling out last year after Musk left a government role where he had been tasked with cutting the workforce.
The report did not specify why Musk was present or whether he spoke during the exchange. The conversation was the first between Modi and Trump since the West Asia conflict began on February 28. According to accounts of the call, Modi stressed the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, secure and accessible, calling that step vital for global peace, stability and economic well-being.
