Editor
Expressing his enthusiasm for India's future, Musk emphasized that the country held more promise than any other large nation in the world. He acknowledged the Prime Minister's sincere commitment to India's growth by actively encouraging Tesla to make significant investments within the country.
Prime Minister Modi, through the Ministry of External Affairs, officially invited Musk to explore avenues for investments in electric mobility and the burgeoning commercial space sector. Musk responded positively, revealing his plans to visit India in the following year. He praised India as an ideal destination for solar energy investments, highlighting the country's immense potential in this field.
Addressing reporters, Musk affirmed his intention to bring Tesla's electric cars to India as soon as feasible, expressing optimism that a significant announcement would be made in the near future. He shared PM Modi's vision of supporting new companies while ensuring that India reaps substantial benefits from their presence in the country.
Following their meeting, Prime Minister Modi tweeted, "Great meeting you today @elonmusk! We had multifaceted conversations on issues ranging from energy to spirituality." Musk reciprocated the sentiment, stating, "It was an honor to meet again." The two leaders previously interacted in 2015 during Modi's visit to the Tesla Motors factory in California.
In addition to electric mobility, Musk revealed his plans to establish Starlink Internet Services in India. This initiative aims to provide internet connectivity to rural areas that currently lack access or face high costs. Musk emphasized that India possessed significant potential across all three pillars of sustainable energy.
In recent developments, Tesla executives visited India last month and engaged in discussions with relevant Indian ministries and officials regarding the establishment of a manufacturing unit for cars and batteries in the country. Musk disclosed that Tesla would likely choose a location for the new plant by the end of this year, emphasizing India's appeal as an intriguing investment destination.
US-based companies have been actively seeking alternatives to China as a manufacturing base, particularly due to escalating tensions between the United States and China. Tesla had previously suspended its plans to enter the Indian market last year due to the high import tax structure. However, with recent developments and the Indian government's efforts to attract foreign investments, Tesla's renewed interest in India signifies a potential shift in the global manufacturing landscape.
The discussions between Prime Minister Modi and Elon Musk indicate a growing partnership between India and Tesla, one that holds immense potential for both the electric mobility sector and the Indian economy as a whole. As India continues to prioritize sustainable energy and technological advancements, collaborations with pioneering companies like Tesla can pave the way for a greener and more prosperous future.