What Elon Musk’s India visit means for Modi government ahead of general elections?

In a recent announcement on X, Elon Musk posted his plans to visit India for a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Musk’s visit to India will be right during the election season.

What is the purpose behind Elon Musk’s visit to India?

His visit to the country is most likely to announce Tesla’s investment plans in India. It was only last year in June when PM Modi visited the U.S. to meet with Tesla, and now Musk wrote in a tweet, “Looking forward to meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in India!” The meeting will occur in New Delhi, on or around 22 April.

Political implications of the visit

The first phase of election polling will be underway during Musk’s visit. Apart from the obvious boost that Tesla’s investments will bring to the Indian economy, this visit is also a clear promotion for the Modi government’s third term.
Musk is confident that Modi will be the reigning Prime Minister again. Normally, it is customary to wait until a new government is in place to make investments in a country; however, during this transition, there aren’t many economic activities. This visit by Musk sends a message to the world that Modi is highly likely to continue governing the country.

How does this visit benefit the Modi government?

Apart from this, the visit is also an endorsement of Modi’s economic policies. Modi has always believed in efficient yet less involved governance. He has been responsible for reforms such as the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, fixing bank finances, introducing GST, offering incentives to maximize manufacturing, land and labor reforms, removing unnecessary laws, making budgeting more transparent, and promoting India’s digital inclusion.

This visit is also a promotion of how India positions itself under Modi’s leadership. Modi, throughout his tenure, has advocated the need for Aatmnirbharta (Self-reliance) and Viksit Bharat (Developed India). The country is asserting its gravity in attracting foreign investors while also keeping a lookout for small and marginalized businesses.