New Delhi: Tesla, the American electric vehicle manufacturer, announced on Monday that it has job openings for 13 positions in India. These roles, which include consumer engagement and store manager positions, were listed on the company's LinkedIn profile.
This announcement follows Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to the United States, where he met with Elon Musk, Tesla's founder and CEO, who also served as a special government advisor under President Donald Trump.
While no specific plans were disclosed after their meeting, Modi shared on X that he discussed topics such as "space, mobility, technology, and innovation" with Musk.
The majority of the job openings are located in Mumbai, India's financial center, with five positions available for candidates in either Mumbai or the capital, New Delhi.
Tesla's Engagement in India
Previously, Tesla had a limited presence in India, primarily due to concerns regarding high import tariffs. Recently, India reduced taxes on luxury vehicles priced over $40,000 from 110% to 70%, which may have sparked Tesla's renewed interest in the Indian market, as reported by The Economic Times.
This tax reduction is likely a response to Trump's warning of potential reciprocal tariffs.
Currently, the electric vehicle market in India is relatively small, with only 100,000 units sold last year, compared to 11 million EVs sold in China during the same period. Nevertheless, interest in electric vehicles is on the rise in India.
Since 2021, Tesla has been establishing its sales infrastructure in India. However, Musk has indicated that high tariffs have hindered the company's expansion plans in the country. According to a report by Business Standard, Musk mentioned plans to utilize "current production lines much more efficiently" during an earnings call in April 2024.
It remains uncertain whether Tesla intends to establish manufacturing facilities in India, although Musk has been exploring opportunities in the country for some time. Reports from last year indicated that Tesla was looking for potential factory and showroom sites in India.
Musk is also looking to launch his satellite internet service, Starlink, in India.
