Elon Musk’s reach appears to know no limits as he explores new markets with his various ventures. While he controls a space satellite empire, owns the largest social media platform, produces the world’s bestselling electric car, and has been given carte blanche by Donald Trump, there is one market that Musk still hasn’t cracked: India.
A recent meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Musk suggests that Tesla may enter the Indian market with its electric cars. The country’s 110% tariffs on imported vehicles have hindered Tesla’s growth in the past, but a new government scheme could change this. If Tesla invests $500m in a factory within three years, it can enjoy lower import tariffs on electric vehicles.
Musk has also been eyeing India’s satellite internet market with his SpaceX company Starlink. The technology has a growing appetite in India, expected to reach $1.9bn by 2030. Despite concerns over security and cybersecurity, the Indian government may be more willing to side-step these issues now that Trump is part of the US administration.
Trump’s stance on Musk’s ambitions to start making Teslas in India remains unclear. In neighboring Bangladesh, Starlink has already been launched with a 90-day timeline. The Indian government’s decision to allocate satellite spectrum administratively rather than through auction could give Starlink an edge over local telecoms companies.
However, the cost of internet access will remain a barrier for many Indians. Analysts warn that Starlink may face strong competition in the Indian market and that it won’t be easy to gain a monopoly with low prices. Despite this, Musk’s leverage with the Indian government could help Starlink establish itself in the country.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/07/elon-musk-india-business-starlink