Tesla begins hiring in India, signals market entry plans after PM Modi meets Elon Musk

Tesla Inc. has started hiring in India, listing 13 job openings on LinkedIn, marking a significant step toward entering the country’s electric vehicle (EV) market. The roles include customer-facing and back-end positions such as Tesla Advisor, Service Technician, Customer Support Specialist, and Delivery Operations Specialist, with openings primarily in Mumbai and Delhi. This hiring activity follows Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s recent meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Washington, where discussions reportedly included Tesla’s potential entry into India.

India recently reduced the basic customs duty on high-end electric cars priced above $40,000 from 110% to 70%, a move expected to make the market more attractive for global EV makers. Tesla had previously refrained from entering India due to high import duties but had engaged in discussions with the Indian government on policy support. The company has long sought lower import taxes as a condition for making significant investments in the country.

Reports indicate that Tesla is considering setting up three manufacturing plants in India, with potential locations in Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh, while the third location remains undecided. The Indian government has been encouraging global automakers to invest in domestic EV production and is expected to offer further incentives to companies willing to establish local manufacturing units with a minimum investment of ₹41.5 billion ($500 million).

India’s EV market is still in its early stages compared to leading global markets. In 2023, India saw the sale of approximately 100,000 electric cars, a small number compared to China’s 11 million EV sales in the same period. However, the Indian government has been actively pushing for EV adoption through policy measures, subsidies, and infrastructure development as part of its long-term goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

Tesla has faced a slowdown in global sales, reporting its first annual drop in EV deliveries in over a decade. Expanding into new markets, including India, is seen as part of its broader strategy to counter declining sales. While there is no official confirmation on when Tesla will begin selling vehicles in India, analysts suggest that the company may initially rely on imports before deciding on local manufacturing based on demand and regulatory conditions.

Musk was expected to visit India in 2022, with speculation that the trip would lay the groundwork for Tesla’s market entry. However, the visit was postponed due to company-related issues, including job cuts and vehicle recalls in the U.S. With recent hiring efforts and changes in government policies, Tesla's entry into India appears to be progressing, though an official launch timeline is yet to be announced.