Tesla plans to double auto components imports from India: Goyal

Commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal has stated that the US electric vehicle maker Tesla plans to double its auto components imports from India.

Goyal had earlier said that Tesla planned to source components worth around $1.9 billion from India in 2023.

Goyal’s comments come after his visit to Tesla's manufacturing facility in Fremont, California. Tesla has been trying to enter the Indian market, but policy issues have proved a hurdle. 

Tesla CEO Elon Musk was not present during Goyal’s visit to the plant due to issues related to health. Musk apologized for failure to be present during the minister’s visit, but promised to make it at a future date.

“It was an honor to have you visit Tesla! My apologies for not being able to travel to California today, but I look forward to meeting at a future date,” Musk had posted on social media platform X.

Piyush Goyal's social media post on Elon Musk's platform acknowledged the growth of Indian auto component suppliers in Tesla's EV supply chain. Musk had previously expressed intentions to visit India in 2024 after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June.

Goyal, on a four-day visit to the US, highlighted the significant role of Indian professionals in Tesla's operations.

Goel’s visit to the Tesla plant follows reports of India considering customs duty concessions for Tesla's proposed plant in India.