Elon Musk Talks Virtually with Nepali Prime Minister, Eyes Entry into Nepal’s Market

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli of Nepal held a virtual meeting with American billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk on Friday, November 22, 2024. The conversation, conducted via video conference, primarily focused on Musk’s company Starlink and its interest in providing satellite-based internet services in Nepal.

Starlink, a division of Musk’s SpaceX company, has been offering satellite-based internet services globally and has shown keen interest in expanding its operations to Nepal. Earlier, Starlink’s director, Rebecca Slick Hunter, had met with Nepal’s Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, to express the company’s interest in operating in the country.

A short while ago, during my conversation with Mr. Elon Musk, I extended an invitation for him to visit Nepal. @elonmusk pic.twitter.com/dGYx9YpwjU

— K P Sharma Oli (@kpsharmaoli) November 22, 2024

The potential entry of Starlink into Nepal’s market faces some legal challenges. Current Nepali law requires foreign firms to have at least a 20% local stake when setting up a company in the country, a condition that Starlink representatives have expressed reluctance to meet. The company has instead proposed operating as a “trading” company, selling satellite receiver devices to connect users to the internet, rather than registering as a service provider.

Nepal’s government is reviewing its legal requirements to potentially accommodate Starlink’s request. The Prime Minister’s office views Starlink’s investment as potentially beneficial for Nepal, with some officials suggesting that its presence could send a strong message about Nepal’s openness to innovation and foreign investment.

However, the entry of Starlink into Nepal could face geopolitical challenges, particularly concerns from neighboring China. Additionally, some officials urge caution, emphasizing the need to consider the impact on national interests and local internet providers.

This meeting between PM Oli and Musk follows a pattern of Musk’s increasing engagement with global leaders. Over the past three years, Musk has met with politicians from at least 13 different countries, discussing potential business ventures, policy matters, and technological advancements.

Currently talking to Elon Musk@elonmusk pic.twitter.com/HqEnFiTiMo

— K P Sharma Oli (@kpsharmaoli) November 22, 2024

Newly-elected President Donald Trump has announced the appointment of Musk as co-leader of the Department of Government Efficiency (often referred to as DOGE).