MEA denies Musk joined Trump–Modi call; White House calls interaction ‘productive’

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has denied reports that Tesla CEO Elon Musk participated in a recent phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump.

“We have seen the story. The telephone conversation on March 24 was between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump only,” an MEA spokesperson said, adding that the call focused on the situation in West Asia.

The clarification follows a New York Times report which had claimed, citing US officials, that Musk joined the call — an unusual instance of a private citizen being part of a conversation between two heads of state during a geopolitical crisis.
Responding to the report, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump shares a strong relationship with Prime Minister Modi and described their recent interaction as “productive”. “President Trump has a great relationship with Prime Minister Modi, and this was a productive conversation,” she said.

Earlier, Prime Minister Modi had said the two leaders discussed the need to keep the Strait of Hormuz “open, secure and accessible”, while reiterating India’s position on de-escalation and restoration of peace in the region.

The call came at a time when tensions in West Asia continue to impact global energy markets and maritime security.