The anticipated arrival of billionaire Elon Musk in India has triggered speculations about Tesla’s imminent investment plans for the country’s electric vehicle (EV) market. Musk’s visit is expected to mark a crucial phase in finalizing Tesla’s entry into India, with potential announcements regarding investment plans and the establishment of manufacturing facilities.
The buzz around Musk’s visit escalated after he announced his intention to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his stay in India. Although no official confirmation regarding Tesla’s debut in India has been made, Musk has consistently expressed interest in tapping into India’s growing EV market, particularly amidst the nation’s significant push towards electric mobility.
In a recent statement on X, Musk expressed his eagerness to meet Prime Minister Modi, hinting at potential discussions regarding Tesla’s investment and expansion plans in India. During a virtual X Spaces session, Musk also underscored the importance of India expanding its electric car production, indicating a natural progression for Tesla to introduce its electric vehicles in the country.
Sources cited by ANI suggest that Musk’s visit may coincide with the much-anticipated announcement of Tesla’s first manufacturing plant in India. Scheduled to meet Prime Minister Modi on April 22 in the national capital, Musk is likely to unveil details about Tesla’s strategies and initiatives for the Indian market.
While the exact agenda of Musk’s India trip remains undisclosed, reports indicate that Tesla officials have been scouting potential locations for a manufacturing facility in the country. States like Gujarat and Maharashtra have reportedly extended land offers to Tesla, aligning with India’s new EV policy that incentivizes domestic manufacturing and value addition.
The new EV policy in India emphasizes a minimum investment threshold of โน4150 crore (USD 500 million) for setting up manufacturing units, with a mandate for significant domestic value addition in vehicle production. By encouraging local sourcing of components, the policy aims to boost indigenous manufacturing capabilities and drive the adoption of electric vehicles across the country.
Sources By Agencies