Another Feather in the Cap in PM Modi's US Visit! Elon Musk's Tesla Starts Hiring in India, Opening on Cards?

In a major development signaling its potential entry into the Indian market, Tesla (TSLA) has begun hiring in India, as per recent LinkedIn job listings. The move comes shortly after Tesla CEO Elon Musk met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the United States last week.

Hiring Begins in Mumbai

Tesla has listed 13 job openings in Mumbai Metropolitan Region, India's financial capital. The positions range across key operational roles, including:

Sales advisors

Operations managers

Technicians

Customer support executives

While Tesla’s hiring activity hints at a potential launch, it remains unclear if Musk and Modi’s discussions during their Washington meeting directly influenced the move.

Tesla’s Plans for India

Reports suggest that Tesla had been considering opening a showroom in New Delhi as early as December 2023. However, Musk had cancelled his India visit in April 2024 and also scrapped plans to invest billions in an Indian manufacturing plant, citing concerns over import duties and regulatory challenges.

Tesla's entry into India’s EV market could face hurdles due to the country's steep automobile import duties, which go as high as 100%. However, recent diplomatic shifts may change this, as PM Modi’s engagement with the Donald Trump administration aims to lower import tariffs on American goods, including electric vehicles.

Why India Now?

Tesla is seeking new markets as it battles declining sales in Europe, North America, and China due to:

Intensified competition from EV rivals

Weakened automobile demand globally

Brand concerns linked to Musk’s public image

A Strategic Move for Tesla and India

India is seen as a fast-growing EV market, making it an attractive destination for Tesla's global expansion plans. If Tesla successfully establishes its footprint, it could be a game-changer for the Indian EV sector, boosting local employment, technological advancements, and sustainable mobility.

With Tesla now actively hiring, the big question remains: Is India finally getting its first Tesla showroom and sales operations?