Tesla Expands to India: Begins Hiring and Plans New Manufacturing Plants

 Tesla Inc., a global leader in electric vehicles and renewable energy, has announced its plans to expand operations in India by initiating a hiring process for key roles. The company recently posted 13 job openings on its LinkedIn page, seeking candidates for both customer-facing and operational positions. This development follows a high-profile meeting between Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the latter’s visit to the United States.

According to sources within the Finance Ministry, Tesla is planning to establish three manufacturing plants in India—one in Gujarat, another in Andhra Pradesh, and a third location yet to be finalized. The company began scouting potential sites last year, but progress accelerated after Musk’s engagement with Modi. In addition to manufacturing facilities, Tesla is also considering the launch of at least two showrooms, with Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad among the potential locations.

Tesla’s relationship with India has been marked by challenges, primarily due to the country’s high import duties on electric vehicles. However, recent policy changes have made the Indian market more appealing for EV manufacturers. In a bid to attract foreign investment, the Indian government recently reduced the basic customs duty on high-end cars priced above $40,000 from 110% to 70%. Additionally, India’s commitment to decarbonization and its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 further align with Tesla’s vision for sustainable transportation.

Historically, Tesla has advocated for lower import tariffs as a prerequisite for significant investments in India. The government responded in March by introducing a new policy that offers reduced import duties for EV manufacturers willing to invest at least ₹41.5 billion ($500 million) in local production facilities. These developments signal a potential breakthrough in Tesla’s India strategy, paving the way for deeper market penetration and local manufacturing in one of the world's fastest-growing automobile markets.

Tesla’s entry into India comes at a time when the country is rapidly expanding its electric vehicle infrastructure and pushing for greater adoption of sustainable mobility solutions. With a growing middle class and increasing demand for EVs, Tesla’s decision to strengthen its presence in India marks a significant step toward reshaping the country’s automotive landscape.