Tesla Inc is likely to make a significant investment in India, chief executive officer Elon Musk said after meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the latter’s US visit to promote development in the world’s most populous country.
“I’m confident that Tesla will be in India and we’ll do so as soon as humanly possible,” Musk told reporters after the meeting. “We don’t want to jump the gun on an announcement, but I think it’s quite likely that there will be a significant investment, a relationship with India.”
Tesla and India last month revived discussions following a year-long standoff. While Tesla executives talked about the domestic sourcing of parts and incentives with government officials during a recent India visit, it did not culminate in a proposal to set up a plant.
Photo: AP
Musk, who has been the frequent target of pitches from Indian officials to make electric vehicles locally, said he plans to visit the South Asian country next year.
Leaders in Asia’s third-largest economy want to capitalize on the growing chill between Beijing and Washington by positioning it as an alternative destination for companies seeking to limit their exposure to China.
Modi’s New York visit included gatherings with potentially more than 20 high-profile individuals, said a person familiar with the plans who asked not to be identified discussing private matters.
Collaboration on critical and emerging technologies between US and Indian companies, and reducing regulatory barriers standing in the way of trade in strategic areas, are key for Modi and US President Joe Biden’s meeting scheduled for today, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said at an industry event in New Delhi last week.
Musk’s ventures with India could extend beyond Tesla. In addition to electric vehicles, he told reporters that he sees potential in the country for sustainable power generation through solar and wind, and energy storage in stationary batteries.
He intends to revive efforts to launch SpaceX’s Starlink Internet for remote Indian villages that do not have access to broadband.
Musk last year said that SpaceX was waiting for government approval to roll out services after setting up a wholly owned unit in India in 2021.
Tesla did not respond to an e-mail sent to the press address on its Web site. Representatives for India’s ministries of external affairs and road transport and highways did not respond to requests for comment.
Musk has been scouting for the location of Tesla’s next factory. Earlier this month, he met French President Emmanuel Macron, who said France would tout its attractiveness for hosting a possible plant, but it is for the automaker to review prospects for projects in Europe. Italy is another suitor.
Musk has engaged with other Asian nations about opening a plant. In November last year, he said he considers South Korea a top candidate, the office of South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has said.
Musk said he would make a decision after a comprehensive review of investment conditions, including labor force and technology.
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