Tesla Hires in India Amidst Musk’s Meeting with Modi
Electric carmaker Tesla has commenced hiring in India, posting job openings just days after a meeting between CEO Elon Musk, a confidant of President Donald Trump, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Washington.
Tesla has listed over a dozen job openings on its website, with positions available in the capital, New Delhi, and the financial hub, Mumbai. The roles include store manager and service technicians. These job openings have also been posted on the professional networking site LinkedIn since Monday.
Tesla’s India Ambitions
These developments signal Tesla’s interest in expanding into the Indian market. The company’s job postings come after Elon Musk’s meeting with Narendra Modi in Washington last week. It is unclear whether the meeting was official or business-related.
Musk has been exploring business opportunities in India, a country of 1.4 billion people and one of the most populous nations in the world. In November, Musk received clearance from New Delhi to launch Starlink, the satellite-based internet service, subject to security compliance, according to Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.
The potential launch of Starlink in India has sparked political debate and raised national security concerns. The world’s richest man was scheduled to visit the country in 2024, which was widely seen as an opportunity for investment announcements. However, the trip was postponed due to "massive obligations" at Tesla.
Electric Vehicle Market Potential
The Indian electric vehicle market presents a significant growth opportunity for Tesla, which faces increasing competition from Chinese rivals and has witnessed its first annual sales decline.
India has historically imposed high import taxes on electric vehicles, which Musk has described as "the highest in the world." This barrier has prevented Tesla from entering the market without local manufacturing.
In 2024, India reduced import duties for global automakers that commit to investing $500 million and commencing local production within three years. New Delhi offered tariff concessions ahead of Modi’s Washington visit, including a reduction in tariffs on high-end motorcycles, a move seen as a boost for Harley-Davidson, the iconic American manufacturer whose struggles in India had irked Donald Trump.
Challenges and Opportunities
Tesla’s entry into the Indian market is not without its challenges. The company will face competition from established local players such as Tata Motors and Mahindra Electric. Additionally, India’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure is still developing.
Despite these challenges, India’s large population and growing demand for electric vehicles present a significant opportunity for Tesla. The company’s plans to establish a manufacturing facility in the country would further strengthen its position in the market.
The meeting between Musk and Modi has fueled speculation that Tesla’s India ambitions are accelerating. The job postings and Starlink clearance suggest that the company is actively exploring opportunities in the world’s second-most populous nation.
