A surprising development emerged from recent high-level discussions on the war with Iran, as billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk was reportedly present during a sensitive call between the United States and India, despite holding no formal government position.
The call between President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took place on March 24, amid an ongoing U.S. and Israeli campaign targeting Iranian assets. According to American officials, the central topic was ensuring continued maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route responsible for transporting roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas supply. U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said that “the leaders discussed the situation in the Middle East and the importance of keeping sea lanes open and secure.”
Following the conversation, Modi posted on X: “India supports de-escalation and the swift restoration of peace. Keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is essential for the global economy.”
The crisis, which has nearly halted oil shipments through the strait, has been described by the International Energy Agency as “the largest supply disruption in history.” India, which imports about 90% of its energy needs, has been directly affected. Modi told parliament that the situation represents an “unprecedented challenge,” while Trump announced a five-day pause in strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure.
According to The New York Times, Musk was on the line during the call, even though he does not hold any official government role. It remains unclear whether he actively participated or was simply listening, but his involvement has sparked sharp debate in both Washington and New Delhi.
Analysts suggest there may be a business angle behind his presence. Musk’s satellite internet service, Starlink, received commercial approval in India last year after prolonged delays, following agreements with local telecom giants Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel. At the same time, the service has been expanding across the Persian Gulf, where regional instability and restricted internet access in Iran have increased demand for portable satellite systems. On Iran’s black market, Starlink kits have reportedly sold for as much as $4,000 each.
Musk’s participation in sensitive conversations between world leaders is not without precedent. In November 2024, it was reported that Trump briefly handed him the phone during a congratulatory call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky—a move that raised concerns among officials uneasy with the involvement of a private individual in matters of state.
Earlier in 2025, Modi also met privately with Musk in Washington before his official meeting with Trump, fueling speculation about the depth of Musk’s connections with global leaders. At the time, Trump said he did not know “why they met,” but added that “perhaps Musk wants to do business in India.”
{Matzav.com}