Tesla Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk congratulated Narendra Modi for his victory in the recently concluded general elections. Musk said he is looking forward to his companies doing exciting work in India.
Musk was scheduled to visit India in April but later postponed his trip, citing some Tesla obligations. “Congratulations @narendramodi on your victory in the world’s largest democratic elections! Looking forward to my companies doing exciting work in India,” Musk said on X.
Modi is set to start his third term as the Prime Minister of India following his oath-taking ceremony, which is planned for Sunday.
Musk has been actively considering bringing Tesla cars to India. Tesla has been looking to enter India, but the company did not make advancements in its plans, citing India’s high import duty.
Musk had met Modi in New York last year, and the company has been lobbying for lower import duties on cars before committing to any investments in India.
Following the government’s new electric vehicle policy in March, Tesla’s name has been abuzz in the Indian automotive industry. In April, Musk said on his social media platform that he is looking forward to meeting with Modi, without sharing any additional details.
Media reports said Musk would be meeting Modi in the week of April 22 in New Delhi, and will separately announce his India plans. However, in the following week, Musk informed that his trip to India would be delayed.
“Unfortunately, very heavy Tesla obligations require that the visit to India be delayed, but I do very much look forward to visiting later this year,” he said in his post on X on April 20.
The new policy drastically reduces the import duty on certain electric cars to 15% from the current 70-100% for five years. The lower duty is subject to a commitment to invest at least Rs 4,150 crore, or USD 500 million, and make in India within three years.
Meanwhile, Musk also reportedly has plans to bring his satellite internet venture Starlink to India. Starlink has received in-principal approval from the telecom ministry here for satellite communication services, as per media reports.
