India denies reports of Elon Musk joining Trump–Modi call on Iran war

Government dismisses report of Elon Musk on Trump–Modi wartime call

March 28, 2026

India denies Elon Musk joined Trump–Modi call

MEA rejects claim Elon Musk was part of Trump–Modi phone call

The Centre on Saturday dismissed reports claiming that billionaire Elon Musk was part of a recent phone conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump.

Clarifying the issue, the Ministry of External Affairs said the March 24 call was held only between the two leaders.

“We have seen the story. The telephone conversation on 24 March was between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump only,” an MEA spokesperson said.

“As has been stated earlier, it provided the opportunity for exchange of views on the situation in West Asia,” the spokesperson added.

The clarification came after a report by The New York Times, quoting unnamed US officials, claimed that Musk had joined the call between the two leaders.

“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.

The report also noted that it was unclear why Musk was on the call or whether he spoke during the conversation.

Trump and Musk had reportedly fallen out last year after the billionaire stepped down from a government role focused on reducing the federal workforce.

In a post on X, Modi said the two leaders discussed the evolving situation in West Asia and emphasised the need for peace.

“Received a call from President Trump and had a useful exchange of views on the situation in West Asia. India supports de-escalation and restoration of peace at the earliest. Ensuring that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, secure and accessible is essential for the whole world. We agreed to stay in touch regarding efforts towards peace and stability,” the Prime Minister said.

Meanwhile, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff said he hoped that Iran would begin talks with Washington soon and respond to a 15-point US peace proposal.

Tensions remain high as the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz — a key global oil shipping route — has rattled markets and pushed energy prices higher.

Trump has extended the deadline for Tehran to reopen the passage until April 6, warning of possible strikes on energy infrastructure if the situation remains unresolved. Reports also said strikes were carried out on three Iranian nuclear facilities and two steel plants on Friday, though officials said no radioactive leak was detected.

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