Tesla Takes Steps Towards India Entry After Duty Cuts and Modi-Musk Meeting

ollowing a significant meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Elon Musk in the United States, Tesla has initiated the hiring process in India, signaling the commencement of its operations in the country. The company has posted job openings for 13 positions on its LinkedIn page, focusing on back-end and customer-relationship roles situated in Delhi and Mumbai. This move marks a pivotal moment for Tesla, which has been contemplating its entry into the Indian market for some time but was deterred by concerns over high import duties.

Musk's hesitation to launch Tesla in India was primarily due to the hefty import duties enforced by the Indian government. Yet, in a turn of events, the government recently slashed the basic customs duty on luxury cars worth more than $40,000 from 110% to 70%. This significant reduction likely played a crucial role in Musk's decision to pursue the Indian market. The anticipation of Tesla's electric cars cruising on Indian streets has now become more tangible than ever, promising an exciting future for the country's automotive landscape.

Prime Minister Modi's trip to the United States, where he met the newly inaugurated President Donald Trump, also included a notable meeting with Elon Musk. Although no official confirmation was given about whether the discussions included Tesla's potential operations in India, the subsequent actions by Tesla suggest that any obstacles were effectively addressed by Modi, paving the way for the company's entry into the market.

"If everything goes well, we can expect Tesla Electric cars to roam on Indian roads in the near future," indicates the promising horizon for Tesla's operations in India. This development not only symbolizes a significant milestone for Tesla but also represents India's growing appeal as a lucrative market for global automotive leaders, especially in the electric vehicle segment. The reduction in customs duties and the proactive engagement of the Indian government manifest a conducive environment for international investors and innovators, making India a focal point for new technological advancements and economic growth in the automobile industry.