Elon Musk to Visit India: Gujarat Could Receive Tesla's Big Initiative – 'Eager to Meet PM Modi'

Elon Musk-led Tesla is planning a high-profile visit to India, where the CEO will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During his visit, Musk is expected to announce investment plans, potentially including the establishment of a Tesla plant in Gujarat.

Confirming his visit on social media platform X, Elon Musk said he is looking forward to meeting PM Modi. According to a Reuters report, he will hold discussions in New Delhi on April 22, accompanied by other Tesla executives, and provide further details about Tesla’s expansion plans in India.

Musk has highlighted India as a key market, stating that the country should have Tesla electric vehicles just like every other nation. Making EVs available in India is seen as a natural step in Tesla’s global growth strategy.

Tesla’s interest in India comes amid slower EV demand in the US and China, alongside rising competition from Chinese automakers. Although India’s EV market is currently small—representing only 2% of total car sales in 2023—it is growing rapidly, with a government target of 30% EV adoption by 2030.

Reports indicate that Tesla may invest up to $2 billion in India. The company is expected to establish a local plant in Gujarat, potentially producing both premium and more affordable electric vehicles for the domestic and export markets.

Possible locations for the Tesla plant include Sanand, Dholera, and Becharaji. The state government aims to facilitate Tesla’s entry, including concessional import duties, while ensuring that EV production in China is not simply exported to India.

The Modi government has expressed support for Tesla establishing manufacturing facilities in India. Officials emphasised that Tesla’s operations in India must include local production to benefit the domestic market and meet export targets. Earlier speculation that Musk would attend the Gujarat Vibrant Summit 2024 has been replaced with confirmed plans for his visit.

India, one of the world’s largest automotive markets, has been actively encouraging Tesla’s entry. With the CBU route and potential tax incentives, Tesla may soon bring electric vehicles to Indian roads at competitive prices.