Rudra Pratap Singh
In a significant shift, Tesla, the electric vehicle giant owned by Elon Musk, has restarted hiring in India. The move comes just days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the Tesla CEO in Washington, D.C., signaling renewed interest in the Indian market.
Job Openings & Expansion Plans
On February 18, 2025, Tesla posted thirteen job openings in Mumbai across various roles, including business operations, customer service, order operations, showroom staff, and technicians. Although these positions are based in Mumbai, the job listings indicate that identical roles are available in Delhi as well.
Tesla has historically maintained a limited presence in India due to high import tariffs on electric vehicles. Musk has long voiced concerns about these tariffs, advocating for reduced duties to test buyer interest before committing to local assembly.
The Modi-Musk Meeting: Key Discussions
While details of the discussions between Modi and Musk on February 13 remain unclear, Modi’s post on X highlighted that their conversation revolved around “space, mobility, technology, and innovation.” The topic of tariffs on EV imports—one of Tesla’s primary concerns—was not explicitly mentioned. However, the timing of Tesla’s hiring spree suggests potential developments behind the scenes.
Musk was initially expected to visit India last year before the general elections, a trip rumored to include an announcement of major investments. That visit was ultimately canceled, leaving many speculating about Tesla’s long-term strategy for India.
Trade Policy & Tariff Adjustments
The broader trade landscape has also influenced Tesla’s moves. U.S. President Donald Trump, whom Modi was visiting during his Washington trip, has taken a strong stance against tariffs globally, frequently naming India as one of the biggest offenders in imposing high duties on American goods.
In the weeks leading up to the Modi-Musk meeting, India made some tariff adjustments, including lowering duties on EV components and minerals essential for battery production. While these changes improved the landscape slightly, overall duties on EVs remain relatively high, potentially still a barrier for Tesla’s entry.
What’s Next for Tesla in India?
With hiring underway, Tesla appears to be testing the waters in the Indian market once again. While the current job openings focus on sales and operations rather than manufacturing, they indicate a growing interest in establishing a foothold.
As policy changes and discussions between the Indian government and Tesla continue, industry experts remain optimistic about Tesla’s eventual local production plans. If tariff reductions or policy incentives align with Musk’s expectations, Tesla’s long-awaited entry into India’s EV market could become a reality sooner than expected.
For now, all eyes are on Tesla’s next move—and whether India will finally become home to a Tesla manufacturing facility in the near future.