(Image source from: x.com/narendramodi)

Tesla Inc. is actively recruiting in India, indicating its intentions to enter the market soon after CEO Elon Musk's recent discussion with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the United States. The electric vehicle manufacturer has posted job listings for thirteen different positions, which encompass both customer-oriented and support roles, as shown in LinkedIn ads released on Monday. Among these openings, at least five roles, including service technician and several advisory positions, are located in both Mumbai and Delhi. The remaining positions, such as customer engagement manager and delivery operations specialist, are exclusive to Mumbai. Over the years, Tesla and India have had sporadic interactions, but the company had previously hesitated to penetrate the South Asian market due to apprehensions related to high import regulations. Recently, India reduced its basic customs duty on luxury vehicles exceeding $40,000 from 110% to 70%.

Though India’s electric vehicle sector is still in its early stages compared to China’s more developed market, it presents an opportunity for Tesla to counteract declining sales, given that the company has experienced its first annual decrease in electric vehicle sales in over ten years. In the previous year, nearly 100,000 electric cars were sold in India, in contrast to China’s 11 million units. Tesla’s aspirations in India emerged following PM Modi's meeting with Musk and former President Donald Trump in Washington the previous week. Trump mentioned afterward that Modi had consented to initiate discussions aimed at addressing the trade deficit with the United States and enhancing military procurement, which may include efforts to ultimately supply F-35 fighter jets. Although Musk holds a significant position in Trump’s administration, the president did not clarify whether Musk met Modi in his capacity as the head of private enterprises or through his involvement with the Dogecoin team. Musk's association with Trump’s administration has created a blend of his commercial and political pursuits. Last month, Italy confirmed negotiations with Musk’s SpaceX regarding a potential contract to deliver secure communications services for the Italian government, following a meeting between Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and then-President-elect Trump in Florida.