Govt says PM-Trump call involved no third party, junks report of Musk participation

A New York Times report mentioned that Elon Musk participated in a recent PM Modi-President Trump call. India has firmly denied the claims made in the report.

In Short

• NYT report alleges Musk’s participation in high-level call between PM, Trump
• India rejects claims, asserts no third party part of sensitive diplomatic exchange
• Call focused on West Asia situation, including concerns over Strait of Hormuz

India on Saturday rejected a report by the New York Times that claimed that tech billionaire Elon Musk joined a recent phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump. The government clarified that the conversation was strictly between the two leaders.

Responding to the report, a spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs said, “We have seen the story. The telephone conversation on 24 March was between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump only. As has been stated earlier, it provided the opportunity for exchange of views on the situation in West Asia.”

The clarification comes after a report by The New York Times claimed that Musk had participated in the high-level call held amid escalating tensions over the Iran war.

“Elon Musk participated in a phone call on Tuesday with President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, an unusual appearance by a private citizen on a call between two heads of state during a wartime crisis,” the report said.

India’s response effectively dismisses suggestions of any third-party involvement in the sensitive diplomatic exchange.

According to The New York Times, the call focused on the escalating crisis in the Middle East, especially concerns over Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy chokepoint.

BACKCHANNEL INFLUENCE OR COINCIDENCE?

The report, citing US officials, had suggested that Musk’s presence could indicate improved ties with President Donald Trump after a reported fallout last year. His business interests — spanning space, energy and emerging markets — intersect with regions directly impacted by the crisis, including the Gulf and India.

Musk has also been seeking to expand his footprint in India, where regulatory approvals for ventures such as satellite internet services remain pending.

However, in light of India’s denial, these claims remain unverified.

MODI, TRUMP EMPHASISE HORMUZ SECURITY

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor earlier said that during the call, the leaders highlighted the importance of ensuring the key waterway remains accessible amid rising tensions. PM Modi later described the conversation as a “useful exchange,” reiterating India’s support for de-escalation and an early return to peace.

The call came as Modi told Parliament that any disruption in the Strait of Hormuz is “unacceptable,” citing concerns over attacks on commercial vessels and instability along key shipping routes.

Addressing the Lok Sabha, he said India is pursuing diplomatic efforts to ensure the safe passage of its ships. In the Rajya Sabha, he warned the crisis has unsettled the global economy, disrupting trade routes and affecting supplies of fuel, gas and fertilisers.

The disruption to shipping has already triggered sharp rises in global energy prices and heightened fears of supply shortages in parts of Asia.

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