MEA denies Musk joined Modi-Trump phone call
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday clarified that a recent phone conversation on the West Asia situation took place solely between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump, dismissing speculation that tech entrepreneur Elon Musk was part of the discussion.
Responding to media reports, the MEA stated that the March 24 call involved only the two leaders and served as an opportunity to exchange views on the ongoing tensions in West Asia. The clarification comes after a report suggested that Musk had unusually joined the high-level diplomatic conversation.
According to officials, the dialogue focused on the evolving geopolitical situation in the region, with both leaders highlighting the importance of maintaining stability. A key point of discussion was ensuring that the Strait of Hormuz remains open and secure. The passage is a critical global energy route, handling a significant portion of the world’s oil shipments.
The conversation took place shortly after President Trump announced a temporary pause in potential military action against Iran, a move seen as opening a window for de-escalation. Around the same time, there were indications that Washington might explore diplomatic outreach in the region, including possible engagement with Pakistan in relation to Iran.
This marked the first direct interaction between Modi and Trump since early February, when both sides had discussed strengthening trade ties, including a reduction in tariffs on Indian goods.
In a public statement following the call, Prime Minister Modi emphasised India’s support for reducing tensions and restoring peace at the earliest. He also underscored that uninterrupted access through the Strait of Hormuz is vital for global economic stability and energy security.
Separately, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar held discussions with Marco Rubio earlier in the week, focusing on the broader implications of the conflict, particularly its impact on global markets and India’s energy needs.
The MEA’s clarification aims to put to rest speculation surrounding the high-level call, reiterating that sensitive diplomatic exchanges remain strictly between official representatives of Governments
