A New York Times report on Friday claimed Elon Musk joined a high-level phone call between US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this week. The conversation, held on Tuesday, March 24, focused on the escalating conflict in Iran and its implications, including the resulting energy crisis in West Asia.
NYT’s Claims
Citing two unnamed US officials, the article portrayed Musk’s alleged involvement as a rare and eyebrow-raising event: a private citizen dialling into a discussion between two world leaders. This comes amid reports of improving ties between Musk and Trump, following their public fallout a year ago that led the billionaire to step down from his US government role. The NYT also noted that it remained unclear why he joined or if he even spoke during the call.
NYT diplomatic correspondent Edward Wong posted the story on X, writing: “Elon Musk was on a call between Trump and Modi this week, when they talked about the Iran War started by Trump and Israel and the resulting energy crisis. Musk has business interests in the Middle East and wants a foothold in India.”
NEW from @nytimes: Elon Musk was on a call between Trump and Modi this week. The two leaders talked about the Iran War started by Trump and Israel and the resulting energy crisis. Musk has business interests in the Middle East and wants a foothold in India. pic.twitter.com/8rgpWKh2Zl
— Edward Wong (@ewong) March 27, 2026
India Denies Claims
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) swiftly rebutted the claims. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “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.”
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt offered no confirmation of Musk’s role, instead emphasising: “President Trump has a great relationship with Prime Minister Modi, and this was a productive conversation.”
