Tesla, the American electric vehicle manufacturer, has started hiring in India as part of its plan to establish commercial operations in the country. This hiring announcement comes just days after a meeting between Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
According to a job posting on Tesla’s official website, the company is looking to fill over a dozen positions in India’s capital, New Delhi, and its financial hub, Mumbai. The vacancies include roles such as store managers and technicians to support Tesla’s operations in these cities.
Tesla’s LinkedIn account posted the job listings on Monday, shortly after Musk’s meeting with Modi in Washington. This rapid move has led some to speculate whether the meeting was purely business-driven or influenced by U.S. government interests.
Elon Musk has long sought to enter the Indian market, the world’s most populous country. Reports from last year indicated that Tesla was scouting locations across India to establish factories and showrooms.
Additionally, Musk is interested in launching his satellite internet service, Starlink, in India. In November last year, India’s Communications Minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia, stated that Starlink would be allowed to operate in India if it complied with the country’s security regulations.
Musk had planned to visit India in 2024 and was expected to announce significant investments in the country. However, he canceled his trip at the last minute, citing unfavorable regulatory conditions for Tesla in India.
While India’s electric vehicle market remains relatively small, Tesla’s entry could help expand it. Currently, the sector faces challenges such as increasing competition from Chinese manufacturers and declining annual sales.