Tata Electronics has reportedly secured a deal with Tesla, to provide semiconductor chips for its global operations. According to sources cited by The Economic Times, the deal signals Tesla's interest in establishing a robust supply chain in India, extending beyond local revenue generation. This development precedes Tesla CEO Elon Musk's anticipated visit to India, during which he is slated to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and potentially unveil plans for investments in the country.
The details of the deal remain undisclosed as of now.
Musk had earlier expressed his anticipation for the meeting with Prime Minister Modi via his Twitter account, hinting at significant developments on the horizon.
The timing of Tesla's engagement with India is notable, coinciding with the Indian government's unveiling of a new EV policy aimed at incentivizing investments in the sector. The policy includes a substantial reduction in import taxes for manufacturers committing to significant investments and local production.
Tesla's foray into India comes amid challenges in its primary markets, including the United States and China, where it recently reported a drop in first-quarter deliveries below analyst expectations. In response, the company has intensified efforts to expand its presence in India, reportedly scouting for suitable locations to establish a manufacturing facility.
Both Gujarat and Maharashtra have extended attractive land offers to Tesla for the construction of an electric vehicle manufacturing unit. A report by Reuters suggests that Tesla officials will visit India later this month to assess potential sites for the proposed facility, which is expected to necessitate an investment of approximately $2 billion.
As Tesla accelerates its plans to penetrate the Indian market, all eyes are on the outcome of Musk's visit and the potential implications for India's electric vehicle ecosystem.