Tesla is set to open its first showroom in India on July 15, choosing Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex—one of the city’s top business districts—as the launch site.
The move marks Tesla’s official entry into India, the world’s third-largest auto market, even though the company is not building cars locally. Instead, it’s importing vehicles and merchandise, valued at roughly $1 million so far, according to trade data from the first half of the year.
Most of the shipments came from China and the U.S., including several Model Y SUVs and Superchargers. However, Tesla faces stiff import duties—around 70%—which could drive up prices for Indian consumers.
India’s government has been encouraging Tesla to manufacture EVs locally, even offering new policies aimed at attracting investment. Tesla CEO Elon Musk had considered a major India visit last year to announce a potential $2-3 billion investment, but those plans were abruptly cancelled. For now, the company has signaled it isn’t interested in setting up a factory in India.
Tesla has been hiring in India, filling roles in sales, service, and store management. It’s also recruiting for positions tied to supply chains and its driver-assistance tech.
The decision to expand into India comes as Tesla grapples with falling global sales and underused factory capacity elsewhere.
