Tesla CEO Elon Musk is scheduled to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Modi’s upcoming visit to the United States on February 13. This meeting comes after several years of discussions between Musk and Modi, sparking speculation about a potential partnership between Tesla and India.
The focus of the meeting will primarily be on Tesla’s potential entry into the Indian market, with discussions also touching on the possibility of launching Starlink services in the country. Tesla has expressed interest in testing demand for its vehicles in India before committing to building a factory there.
One of the main challenges for Tesla in India is the government’s insistence on the company building a plant in the country before considering rolling back import duties on Tesla vehicles manufactured elsewhere. This requirement has been a point of contention between Tesla and the Indian government, but with the Trump Administration’s positive relationship with Modi’s government, there may be potential for progress.
Despite the obstacles, Tesla continues to explore options for establishing a presence in India and potentially launching an affordable model tailored to the Indian market. The upcoming meeting between Musk and Modi could provide further insights into the feasibility of Tesla’s expansion into India.
As discussions between Tesla and the Indian government continue, the outcome of the meeting between Musk and Modi could shape the future of Tesla’s operations in India. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.