Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, praised Indian talent and discussed H-1B visas during a recent podcast with Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath. The interview, released on November 30, 2025, covered topics like immigration, Starlink expansion, and the future of work, drawing massive attention online.
This conversation comes amid ongoing debates in the US about immigration policies and tech talent shortages. Musk, a vocal supporter of skilled worker programs, shared insights that highlight India’s role in global innovation.
Musk’s Views on Indian Talent and US Benefits
Musk emphasized how the US has gained from Indian professionals in tech and other fields. He pointed out that many top companies rely on this talent to drive progress.
In the podcast, he stated that America has been an immense beneficiary of skilled Indians who contribute to innovation. This aligns with recent data showing that Indians hold a large share of H-1B visas, which allow foreign workers in specialty occupations to work in the US.
Experts note that in 2025, over 70 percent of H-1B approvals went to Indian nationals, boosting sectors like software and engineering. Musk acknowledged some misuse of the program by outsourcing firms but argued against scrapping it entirely.
He suggested reforms like raising minimum salaries for visa holders to ensure fair competition with American workers. This view echoes discussions in Washington, where policymakers are reviewing visa rules amid economic pressures.
Key Quotes from the Interview
The podcast featured several standout remarks from Musk that captured public interest. These quotes touched on immigration, business, and technology.
Here are five notable ones:
- On H-1B visas: “America has benefitted immensely from talented Indians that have come to America.”
- On program misuse: “While there has been some misuse of the H-1B Program, shutting it down altogether would be very bad.”
- On Starlink in India: “We’d love to be operating in India. That would be great.”
- Advice to entrepreneurs: “Aim to make more than you take. Be a net contributor to society.”
- On future work: “In less than 20 years, working at all will be optional… like a hobby.”
These statements quickly went viral on social media, sparking conversations about global talent mobility.
Starlink Expansion Plans for India
Musk expressed eagerness to bring Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, to India. He mentioned operating in 150 countries and hoped to add India soon.
Starlink aims to provide high-speed internet to remote areas, which could transform connectivity in rural India. Recent reports indicate that as of late 2025, Starlink has over 5 million users worldwide, with expansions in Asia gaining momentum.
In the interview, Musk highlighted how Starlink helps during natural disasters by offering free service. This ties into India’s growing need for reliable broadband, especially after events like the 2025 monsoon floods that disrupted communications.
Regulatory talks between SpaceX and Indian authorities are ongoing, with potential approvals expected in early 2026. Musk’s comments build excitement for better access in underserved regions.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Countries | 150+ including recent additions in Southeast Asia |
| Users Worldwide | Over 5 million as of November 2025 |
| India Focus | Aiming for rural connectivity and disaster response |
| Challenges | Regulatory approvals and spectrum allocation |
This table shows Starlink’s global reach and India-specific potential.
Advice for Young Indian Entrepreneurs
Musk offered practical guidance for aspiring business leaders in India. He encouraged them to focus on creating value rather than just seeking profits.
He advised aiming to be a net contributor to society, which resonates with India’s booming startup scene. In 2025, India saw over 100,000 startups, many in tech and AI, according to government data.
Musk shared his own experiences, stressing patience and innovation. He linked this to broader trends, like the rise of AI tools that could automate routine tasks.
Future of Work and AI Predictions
Looking ahead, Musk predicted major shifts due to AI and robotics. He foresaw a world where work becomes optional within 20 years.
He used simple examples, like choosing to grow vegetables or buy them, to illustrate abundance driven by technology. This vision connects to current AI advancements, such as Tesla’s Optimus robot unveiled in 2025.
However, Musk warned of challenges, including job displacement. Recent studies from 2025 show AI could automate 30 percent of jobs globally by 2030, prompting calls for reskilling programs.
In India, where the workforce is young, this could mean new opportunities in tech but also the need for adaptive education.
What do you think about Musk’s predictions? Share your thoughts in the comments and spread the word if this sparked your interest.
