Elon Musk criticised for confusing Nazi Hakenkreuz with sacred Swastika

New Delhi: Elon Musk's recent statement regarding a swastika drawn on a vandalized Tesla Cybertruck sparked widespread criticism from Indian social media users.

The controversy centers on the distinction between the swastika, a symbol of good fortune and well-being in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, and the Hakenkreuz (hooked cross), the Nazi symbol of hate.

After vandals defaced a Tesla in Brooklyn with a Hakenkreuz and "Nazis" graffiti, Musk referred to the symbol as a "swastika," prompting backlash.

Users corrected him, emphasizing the different meanings and historical contexts of the two symbols.

Indian netizens on X directly engaged Musk, and also the AI Grok, demanding clarity and accurate representation of the swastika symbol. Whereas, many social media users found Musk's wording inaccurate and incorrect, and sought to educate him.

BJP's Amit Malviya in a reply to Musk told him not to confuse Swastika, a sacred symbol for Hindus, Buddhists and Jains, with Nazi Hakenkreuz.

Swastika (in red) is an ancient and sacred symbol of peace and good fortune used by Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain communities across the world.

The Nazi Hakenkreuz (hooked cross in black) was used by Hitler against the Jews.

The two are DIFFERENT. Please do not confuse them.… https://t.co/RcNKhRBsLR pic.twitter.com/BfYTp6I3ow

— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) April 1, 2025

The Nazi Hakenkreuz is a hooked cross in black, Malviya explained.

Author and columnist Ratan Sharda, in his reply, schools Musk, "Not knowing is understandable, but refusing to learn is not right."

Mr @elonmusk despite so many reasoned rational podcasts explaining to you that it’s not #Swastika but Hakencreuz , you still call it Swastika. Swastika is sacred positive symbol of Hindus, Jains, Bouddhas and all India born religion. Not knowing is understandable, but refusing…

— Ratan Sharda 🇮🇳 रतन शारदा (@RatanSharda55) April 2, 2025

Indian social media influencers, Abhi and Niyu, reacted to Musk’s post, saying, “Call it by its name – Hakenkreuz – stop dissing an entire country – this is stupid Elon.”

Call it by its name - Hakenkreuz - stop dissing an entire country - this is stupid Elon.

— Abhi and Niyu (@abhiandniyu) March 31, 2025

Another response to Musk’s post said, “It is Hakenkreuz that Hitler used. Swastika is a Hindu Symbol used for more than 5,000 years.”

Its Hakenkruz that Hitler used

Swastika is Hindu Symbol used for more than 5,000 years

— Kreately.in (@KreatelyMedia) March 31, 2025