United States – Tesla and SpaceX chief Elon Musk has highlighted how Indian talent has significantly contributed to America’s success during a comprehensive podcast interview with Indian entrepreneur Nikhil Kamath. The conversation, posted on Sunday, covered multiple topics including Starlink’s India entry plans, the future of work, immigration policy, and advice for young Indian entrepreneurs.
Musk’s Strong Support for Indian Talent
During the long-form interview, Musk was unequivocal in his praise for Indian talent’s contribution to the United States. When Kamath described how Indians refer to professionals moving to America as “brain drain,” Musk emphasized the tremendous benefits America has received from this migration.
“America has benefited immensely from talented Indians that have come to America,” Musk stated emphatically. He reiterated this point, saying, “America’s been an immense beneficiary of talent from India.” This acknowledgment underscores the critical role Indian talent plays in driving innovation and economic growth in the United States.
Immigration Policy and H-1B Visa Program
Musk addressed the complexities of immigration policy while maintaining his support for Indian talent entering America through legitimate channels. He drew a contrast between different administrative approaches, noting that the Biden administration had “basically a total free-for-all with like no border controls,” adding that without border controls, “you’re not a country.”
However, while acknowledging concerns about the H-1B visa program, Musk made his position clear. He admitted that “some of the outsourcing companies have kind of gamed the system,” but firmly opposed shutting down the program entirely. “I’m certainly not in the school of thought that we should shut down the H1B program… that would actually be very bad,” he stated, recognizing the program’s importance in bringing Indian talent to American companies.
Starlink’s India Entry Plans
Musk expressed strong interest in bringing Starlink to India, stating, “Hopefully India. So we’d love to be operating in India. That would be great.” He explained how Starlink’s satellite internet technology is particularly suited for countries with large rural populations, complementing existing telecom infrastructure.
The SpaceX chief emphasized that Starlink “basically tends to serve the least served,” making it ideal for areas where ground networks struggle. He noted the service works best where internet access is “much worse,” in regions where people have “sometimes no access to internet or it’s extremely expensive or the quality is not very good.”
Technology Limitations in Urban Areas
While discussing Starlink’s India plans, Musk candidly addressed the physical limitations of satellite internet in densely populated cities. He explained, “It’s unfortunately so the physics don’t allow for that… we can’t beat something that’s 1 kilometre away, which the cell tower… physics is not on our side here.”
He clarified that it’s “not physically possible for us, for Starlink to serve densely populated cities” effectively. However, he highlighted Starlink’s resilience during disasters, noting that the satellite network continued functioning even when “the Red Sea cables were cut.”
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Future of Work and Urbanization
Musk shared bold predictions about how technology will transform work and urban living. When Kamath asked about India’s urbanization patterns compared to China, Musk discussed how AI and robotics will fundamentally change the relationship between work and cities.
“I think in the future it won’t be the case that you have to be in a city for a job,” Musk predicted. He went further with a striking forecast: “My prediction is in the future working will be optional… in less than 20 years working will be optional.”
He described advances in technology creating a world where “people don’t have to work at all… maybe only I don’t know 10… less than 20 years,” pointing to a future where work becomes more “like a hobby.” Musk characterized this transformation as “we’re going to be in like a post-work society.”
AI and Robotics: A Supersonic Tsunami
Musk described the coming AI-driven changes in dramatic terms, calling AI and robotics “a supersonic tsunami” that would represent “the most radical change that we’ve ever seen.” Despite this upheaval, he suggested people could still pursue education in areas that interest them, such as sciences or arts.
On college education for young Indians, Musk noted one important reason remains valid: “To be around people your own age in a learning environment.” He advised students who choose to attend college should “try to learn as much as possible across a wide range of subjects.”
Advice for Indian Entrepreneurs
When Kamath asked what message Musk would share with young Indian builders and founders, the Tesla chief focused on value creation and contribution. “Aim to make more than you take. Be a net contributor to society,” he advised.
Musk emphasized that financial success follows usefulness rather than the reverse: “If you want to create something valuable financially… it’s best to actually pursue providing useful products and services… money will come as a natural consequence.”
He concluded by offering respect to anyone who tries to “make more than they take,” reinforcing his philosophy that genuine value creation leads to success.
Conclusion
Musk’s conversation with Kamath highlighted his appreciation for Indian talent while outlining ambitious plans for Starlink’s India entry. His vision of a post-work society powered by AI and robotics, combined with practical advice for young entrepreneurs, demonstrates his forward-thinking approach. As Indian talent continues contributing globally, Musk’s acknowledgment reinforces the significant impact Indian professionals have on technological innovation and economic development worldwide.
