PM Modi likely to meet Elon Musk in US: Will Tesla cars soon become a reality in India?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to meet Elon Musk during his visit to the United States.

Modi is set to visit the US next week at the invitation of President Donald Trump.

The CEO of Tesla and SpaceX is likely to call on Modi during his trip.

But what do we know? Does this mean Tesla is coming to India?

Let’s take a closer look:

What do we know?

As per CNBC, Musk will likely be part of a select delegation of CEOs who will meet Modi.

The interaction is likely to take place on February 13.

As per The Times of India, a number of important topics are likely to be discussed.

This includes Tesla entering India with its Electronic Vehicles (EVs) and the regulatory approvals needed.

Musk may also seek permission to bring his satellite firm Starlink to India.

Increased cooperation with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is also likely to be discussed.

Is Tesla coming to India?

Musk has had plans to bring Tesla cars to India for years.

Sources told CNBC that Trump and the US government will likely push for lower duties on importing fully built electric cars in India.

They added that Tesla continues to examine ways to get into the Indian market.

Tesla, which is set to introduce a low-cost and more affordable electric car by June, may launch this model in India this year.

The company has also been looking for locations for company-operated showrooms in India.

According t_o MSN_, this indicated that the tech company is looking to enter the Indian market.

Musk’s much-anticipated visit to India in April was postponed because of his commitments to Tesla.

Musk in April 2024 said he would meet Modi during his India trip.

A potential investment of $2-3 billion in India was on the table.

However, Musk called off the visit due to his commitments to Tesla.

The company, as sales plunged, laid off 10 per cent of its staff.

Sources said the meeting between Musk and Indian government officials would result in a positive message.

However, it may not lead to an immediate announcement or commitment to manufacturing in India.

Firstpost could not independently verify the report.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during the Union Budget 2025 cut the duties on luxury cars above $40,000 (Rs 35 lakh) to 70 per cent from 125 per cent.

Sitharaman also did away with basic customs duties for lithium-ion batteries used in Electric Vehicles.

This would entice EV companies like Tesla to enter India – which, is after all, the third largest vehicle market in the world in terms of sales.

As per Hindustan Times Auto, Musk has described himself as a ‘fan’ of Modi.

He and Modi have met several times during the Indian prime minister’s visits to the US.

But, according to Moneycontrol, Musk may not immediately agree to local manufacturing – given the recent slowdown in global EV sales.

Tesla is also facing a challenge from EV companies from China.

In 2023, Tesla’s global sales for the first time slid in over a decade.

Tesla delivered 1.79 million cars, compared to 1.74 million by BYD, its rival from China.

With inputs from agencies