Elon Musk Podcast with Nikhil Kamath: AI Will Make Jobs "Optional," Backs H-1B Visas, Slams Tariffs

Elon Musk’s Mega Podcast: AI to Make Jobs "Optional," Strong Support for Indian Talent & Tariff Critique

In a blockbuster episode that had the internet buzzing, tech billionaire Elon Musk sat down with Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath for a wide-ranging, nearly 2-hour conversation on the ‘People by WTF’ podcast.

Moving beyond the initial speculation and AI-deepfake teasers, the discussion delivered serious insights on immigration, global trade, and a startling vision for an AI-dominated future.

Musk Champions Skilled Indian Immigrants, Calls for H-1B Reform

Addressing the hot-button issue of immigration, Musk strongly advocated for the H-1B visa program, crucial for skilled Indian professionals. He stated that the United States has "benefited greatly" from such skilled immigrants, admitting that companies like Tesla and SpaceX gained due to a domestic talent shortage.

However, he balanced this by criticizing the misuse of the program by some companies that use it to source cheaper labour. His clear stance: "We should not get rid of the H-1B," but implement reforms to ensure genuine, skilled workers benefit America.

Stance Against Tariffs & Warning on US Debt

On global trade, Musk positioned himself firmly against protectionist tariffs, a clear critique of the Trump administration's policies, including those affecting India. “I am strongly against tariffs,” he said, arguing they distort trade and harm economic efficiency and innovation. He revealed he did not want tariffs imposed on India, referencing the stalled trade deal and high duties.

Furthermore, Musk echoed concerns about the unsustainable level of US federal debt, calling it "dangerously high" and stressing the need for structural changes beyond temporary fixes, highlighting political gridlock as a key hurdle.

The Big Prediction: Work Becomes "Optional" in 10-20 Years

The most discussed takeaway was Musk's forecast on Artificial Intelligence and automation. He predicted that in the next 10 to 20 years, advancements will be so rapid that having a traditional job will become “optional.”

“Work will be like a hobby,” Musk suggested, implying that economic contribution would be redefined. This shift, driven by AI and humanoid robots performing physical tasks, could lead to a restructuring of capitalism, potentially making government-backed universal basic income necessary. The future, according to Musk, is one where AI runs industries, humans work for passion, and a basic comfortable living standard is accessible to all—eliminating poverty but posing major challenges like job displacement and ethical dilemmas.

Personal Revelation & Podcast Credibility

In a lighter personal note, Musk revealed that his partner, Shivon Zilis, is half-Indian, and his son has the middle name "Shekhar," inspired by the famed physicist Subramanian Chandrasekhar.

The podcast, which has previously hosted figures like PM Narendra Modi, solidifies its space for high-profile conversations. Musk’s insights, especially on AI and global policy, are set to fuel discussions in corporate and governmental corridors worldwide. As AI accelerates, this conversation serves as a crucial roadmap to the opportunities and upheavals that lie ahead.