Tesla chief Elon Musk’s India visit postponed.
Elon Musk, CEO of electric car major Tesla, has postponed his proposed visit to India for later this week. In a cryptic message on social media platform X, Musk cited “important Tesla production work” for the postponement but did not specify a new date.
The entrepreneur was set to travel to New Delhi on April 21-22 to meet PM Modi and unveil plans to launch Tesla’s electric vehicles in India. This generated keen interest as Tesla seeks lower import duties before commencing local manufacturing.
Reuters has reported that Tesla initially aims to invest over $2 billion in India by setting up production facilities. The government has extended incentive schemes to companies ready to make their products here.
However, uncertainties have arisen after Tesla said it would cut 10% of jobs worldwide and the resignation of a key Tesla executive engaged with Indian policymakers.
Meanwhile, Musk has not received a nod for his ambitious plans to bring his SpaceX satellite internet project, Starlink, to India. His visit was timed with the start of national elections on April 19.
With key Tesla executives shifting roles and the global slowdown, questions arise if the company can stick to its schedule of entering India’s booming but price-sensitive auto market this year.
