Tesla CEO Elon Musk is scheduled to visit India for 48 hours starting April 21.
During his visit, Mr. Musk is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and make significant announcements, including a potential investment plan of $2 to $3 billion and the launch of Starlink services in the country. This visit is part of Musk’s broader vision for Tesla and SpaceX, with India positioned as a key strategic partner in the electric vehicle (EV) and satellite internet sectors.
India pushes for electric mobility and domestic manufacturing
Mr. Musk’s visit comes at a crucial time for India, which is pursuing an ambitious push towards electric mobility. The Indian government has recently announced a new EV policy that reduces import taxes on some models from 100% to 15% if the manufacturer commits to investing $500 million or more and sets up a factory in the country.
This policy change has been welcomed by Tesla, which has been seeking a reduction in import duties to allow it to start selling its EVs in India. Musk has previously expressed his desire to introduce Tesla electric vehicles in India, stating that it’s a “natural progression” for the company to offer its products in the world’s most populous country.
Elon Musk to discuss Starlink Internet
Mr. Musk is also expected to announce plans to start Starlink services in India. This satellite internet service from SpaceX aims to provide high-speed broadband internet to rural and remote areas, which aligns with India’s digital connectivity goals.
Moreover, the visit might also see discussions about a possible joint venture with Reliance Industries to set up a manufacturing facility in India. This move could be a significant step towards Tesla’s entry into the Indian market, with the potential to manufacture cars locally for both domestic consumption and exports.