Tech billionaire Elon Musk has confirmed plans to visit India later this year, following a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO’s announcement has reignited excitement around Tesla’s long-anticipated entry into the Indian electric vehicle (EV) market.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, Musk called it “an honour” to speak to PM Modi, signaling a strong commitment to deepening technological and business ties between the world’s most populous democracy and the world’s richest entrepreneur.
It was an honor to speak with PM Modi.
I am looking forward to visiting India later this year! https://t.co/TYUp6w5Gys
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 19, 2025
A Strategic Conversation at a Crucial Juncture
The conversation between Modi and Musk comes as India and the United States work to bridge gaps over trade tariffs and advance negotiations for a broader trade agreement. Both countries are seeking to strengthen cooperation in technology, clean energy, and innovation, making Musk’s announcement particularly timely.
Sharing the news on X, Prime Minister Modi posted: “Spoke to Elon Musk and talked about various issues, including the topics we covered during our meeting in Washington DC earlier this year. We discussed the immense potential for collaboration in the areas of technology and innovation. India remains committed to advancing our partnerships with the US in these domains.”
Tesla’s India Entry: What to Expect
Elon Musk’s India visit is expected to coincide with the first phase of Tesla’s India rollout, as the EV giant gears up to introduce its electric vehicles to Indian customers. According to reports by Bloomberg, Tesla is preparing to ship a few thousand electric cars to a port near Mumbai within months. Sales are expected to launch in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore by the third quarter of 2025.
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The Indian government and Tesla have reportedly been ironing out details concerning import tariffs — a key factor that will influence the automaker’s long-term strategy in India, including whether it will set up a manufacturing plant.
From Washington to Mumbai: Growing India-US Tech Ties
Elon Musk and PM Modi previously met in person during Modi’s US visit in February, where Musk gifted the Indian leader a Starship hexagonal heatshield tile — a symbol of Musk’s space exploration ambitions. The meeting also included Musk’s children, X, Strider, and Azure, highlighting the personal rapport shared between the two.
Adding another layer of strategic diplomacy, the conversation comes just days before US Vice President JD Vance is set to visit India (April 21-24), underscoring the strong momentum in US-India bilateral relations.
Tesla Hiring Underway, India Readies for EV Boom
Industry insiders suggest that Tesla has already started hiring for roles linked to showrooms, logistics, and delivery operations in India — a clear sign that the electric vehicle pioneer is serious about tapping into India’s fast-growing EV market.
With India’s push for sustainable mobility and Tesla’s global reputation for innovation, Musk’s Indian venture could be a transformative chapter for both the brand and the country’s automotive landscape.
The Road Ahead
Elon Musk’s confirmation of his India trip has sparked widespread anticipation in both tech and business circles, as Tesla’s arrival is expected to boost competition, investment, and innovation in the Indian EV sector.
For India, Musk’s visit — and Tesla’s market debut — represents more than just a business expansion; it symbolizes a new era of tech-driven collaboration between the US and India in clean energy, manufacturing, and artificial intelligence.
