Elon Musk prepares for 2-day India visit: What's on agenda
Tesla CEO Elon Musk is gearing up for a brief but packed two-day visit to India. His itinerary includes discussions with government officials, entrepreneurs from emerging startups, and leading business figures. A key highlight of his trip will be a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the morning of April 22 where he is expected to unveil Tesla's strategy for the Indian market.
Tesla's strategy for Indian market debut
Musk's announcement regarding Tesla's debut in India comes at a time when the company is facing a dip in stock value and decreasing sales. Tesla is already scouting locations in India to establish a manufacturing facility, which is estimated to cost around $2 billion. India has been actively inviting the EV maker to establish its presence in the country and produce electric vehicles for both local consumption and international export. Tesla has also partnered with Tata Electronics for component supply.
Musk's engagement with Indian space startups
On the afternoon of April 22, Musk will interact with space startups at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Firms such as Skyroot Aerospace, Bellatrix, and Agnikul are expected to participate. The Indian government has been facilitating the entry of Starlink, Musk's satellite internet service company, into India. As per reports, Musk may also discuss Starlink's plans to introduce satellite-based internet services in India during his visit.
Musk's address to Indian business leaders
Later on April 22, Musk is scheduled to address an audience of approximately 200 business leaders. His discussions with the Indian government extend beyond electric vehicle manufacturing to include space exploration and broadband connectivity. As per CNBC-TV18, "multiple opportunities are being explored across the space sector, including collaboration with Indian startups." There are also preliminary plans for Musk and his children to explore Agra. However, these plans are yet to be confirmed.