For over a decade, India has been on Elon Musk’s radar, but the relationship was more aspirational than actual. While headlines often hinted at big moves, real progress remained elusive — until now.

Back in 2021, Tesla signaled strong intent to enter the Indian market, but talks fizzled out when negotiations over high import duties hit a wall. Around the same time, Musk’s Starlink began accepting pre-orders from Indian users for its satellite internet services — only to pull back after regulatory pushback led to mass refunds.

Even in 2024, Musk made headlines again, scheduled to visit New Delhi to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, only to abruptly cancel the trip and surface in Beijing instead — reinforcing the perception of a rocky and unreliable courtship.

But 2025 Looks Different

Fast-forward to this year, and things are finally moving forward. Musk’s India ambitions are no longer just talk.

• Tesla has launched its first showroom in Mumbai’s upscale Bandra Kurla Complex, a key signal of its serious commitment to the Indian electric vehicle (EV) market.
• Starlink has secured official regulatory approval to launch its commercial internet services across India, opening up possibilities for rural connectivity and digital expansion.

These developments mark the most significant progress Musk’s companies have made in India to date.

A Shift in Global Strategy?

The timing of these moves is notable. Just weeks ago, Musk publicly distanced himself from former U.S. President Donald Trump, a move many interpret as a recalibration of his political and global positioning. The fresh momentum in India could be part of that broader realignment — pivoting toward growing economies and emerging markets with long-term potential.

Challenges Still Remain

Despite the positive steps, challenges remain:

• Tesla’s local manufacturing plans are still under wraps, with no confirmation yet on whether the company will build EVs in India or continue relying on imports.
• Starlink’s rollout will need to navigate India’s complex telecom and infrastructure landscape, along with ensuring affordability for millions of rural users.

Still, industry watchers are optimistic. If Musk stays the course, India could become a key market for both Tesla and Starlink in the coming decade.

Bottom Line:

After years of on-and-off flirtation, Elon Musk’s India story might finally be getting real. Whether it becomes a lasting partnership or just another promising headline remains to be seen — but for now, the wheels are in motion.