A Billion-Dollar Vision Meets a Billion-People Market
Elon Musk, the billionaire innovator who leads Tesla, SpaceX, Starlink, and the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), has officially announced his plan to visit India later this year. The announcement came right after his phone conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to PM Modi, their discussion focused on collaboration in the areas of technology and innovation, where India is looking to grow its global partnerships — especially with the United States.
This isn’t just another foreign visit by a tech celebrity. Musk’s presence in India could mean a lot more. India, the world’s most populous country, is rapidly becoming a center for digital technology, clean energy, and innovation. Additionally, Musk, who is frequently spotted working closely with US President Donald Trump, comes at a time when American tariffs are putting pressure on trade relations between India and the US.
Just weeks before Musk’s India trip, Trump imposed 27% tariffs on Indian goods, only to pause them for 90 days. These economic tensions make Musk’s visit even more important, as he holds significant influence in Washington. His ability to engage both business and political leaders could shape key decisions — especially around trade and technology.
Musk had intended to visit India last year, but he had to postpone it because of Tesla’s busy schedule. A few days later, he left for China instead. This time, everyone is watching to see if the third try would be successful.
Tesla and Starlink: Two Giant Steps in the Making
Finally, the introduction of Tesla in India is drawing near. A few thousand electric vehicles will shortly be shipped by the company to a port close to Mumbai. These cars are expected to go on sale in big cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore by the third quarter of the year.
To support this launch, Tesla has started hiring in cities like Delhi and Mumbai. India’s electric vehicle market is growing fast, with over 2 million EVs sold in 2024. This makes India an attractive market for Tesla’s clean energy goals.
However, a big challenge remains: import taxes. India currently charges up to 110% on imported EVs. Musk has asked the Indian government to reduce these taxes, but if they stay high, Tesla cars will be too expensive for most buyers.
Musk’s satellite internet business, Starlink, also hopes to get into India. In order to provide internet to remote places, it has agreements with Jio and Airtel. But it still needs final approval from the government. Its services are costly, which could limit users, though it may help in areas with no other options.
X and the Courts: A Legal Tangle
Apart from Tesla and Starlink, Musk’s company X (formerly Twitter) has its own set of challenges in India. The platform is facing a legal battle with the Indian government over censorship rules. Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act of 2000 has been challenged by X. This law allows the government to block or remove content from online platforms through court or government orders.
X claims that this law is being misused to create a system of censorship that is not transparent or fair. The company is also challenging the Sahyog portal, a government-run system that asks for quick compliance from social media platforms. The Indian government, on its part, has called X’s lawsuit “unfortunate” and “condemnable.”
These legal troubles highlight the tension between tech companies and governments over free speech and control of online content. Even as Musk talks about growing his businesses in India, these lawsuits show that there are serious roadblocks that must be navigated.
Musk’s visit also comes just days before U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s scheduled trip to India. Vance, who is close to Trump, will meet PM Modi along with his family on April 21. This timing adds another layer of political weight to Musk’s plans.
Musk is not just a tech CEO. His role in shaping business and policy conversations — both in the U.S. and around the world — makes his India visit more than just a business trip. From Tesla and Starlink to SpaceX and X, each of Musk’s ventures connects directly with India’s ambitions in technology, internet access, mobility, and innovation. But high tariffs, legal hurdles, and pricing concerns stand as major challenges that cannot be ignored.
