Sweat put into work must be our own: PM Modi on Musk’s investment plans

PM Modi’s interview: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his recent interview with ANI, shared role of investment in India while ensuring that essence of country's soil is reflected in products manufactured. In interview right before Lok Sabha elections, PM Modi welcomed global investment but stressed role of ensuring that labour invested in work is predominantly of Indian origin, thus creating employment opportunities for nation's youth.

"I want investment to come in India because, in India, it doesn't matter who has invested money, (but) sweat put into work must be of our own people. product should have essence of our soil so that our youth in country will get employment opportunities," PM Modi said, to a question on Elon Musk's Tesla and Starlink's possible entry into India.

dressing queries about Elon Musk's expressed miration for him, PM Modi said, “Look, first thing saying that Elon Musk is a supporter of Modi is one thing, basically, he is a supporter of India. And I just met him. It's not like that."

Prime Minister also mentioned a recent meeting with Musk during his visit to US in 2023 and anticipated visit of Musk to India, suggesting potential collaborations.

"He showed me everything in his factory. And I understood his vision from him. I went re just now (to US in 2023) and met him again. And now he is about to come to India," PM Modi said.

Musk's interest in investing in India, particularly in electric vehicle (EV) sector, has garnered attention. PM Modi underlined India's commitment to embracing electric vehicles and highlighted remarkable growth in EV sector, with sales soaring from 2,000 units in 2014-15 to 1.2 million units in 2023-24. 

Focusing on India's progress in EV infrastructure and policy initiatives, PM Modi encouraged companies to invest in booming sector.

While Musk's exact agenda for his India visit remains undisclosed, expectations are high for potential significant investments in country. Musk's recent comments affirming need for electric cars in India align with nation's efforts to transition towards sustainable mobility. 

PM Modi reiterated India's invitation to global companies, underlining conducive environment for investment and growth, particularly in emerging sectors like electric vehicles.

(With ANI inputs)