Modi-Trump phone call: India rejects reports claiming Elon Musk part of telephonic conversation on Iran war
Trump had called PM Modi to discuss the war with Iran on Tuesday, the first interaction between the two leaders since Israel and the US' military strikes on Iran began on February 28.
Modi-Trump phone call: India on Saturday rejected reports that billionaire Elon Musk was also part of the call between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Trump had called PM Modi to discuss the war with Iran on Tuesday, the first interaction between the two leaders since Israel and the US' military strikes on Iran began on February 28.
"We have seen the story. The telephone conversation on 24 March was between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump only," a spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs underlined.
"As has been stated earlier, it provided the opportunity for exchange of views on the situation in West Asia," the spokesperson added.
Earlier US-based media reported quoting unnamed government officials that Elon Musk was also part of the telephonic conversation between both the 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 New York Times reported.
Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff said on Friday that he expects Iran to hold talks with the United States this week, expressing hope for progress.
He added that Washington is waiting for Iran to respond to a proposed 15-point US peace plan, saying it could potentially resolve the ongoing tensions.
A major concern remains the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route, which has unsettled markets and pushed oil prices to levels last seen at the start of the Russia-Ukraine war.
Meanwhile, Trump has extended the deadline for Tehran to reopen the strait until April 6, warning of possible strikes on energy infrastructure if it fails to comply.
At the same time, Iranian media reported attacks on three nuclear facilities and two steel plants on Friday. Officials said there was no radioactive leak following the strikes.