Tesla CEO Elon Musk suggests entry in India by 2021

Tesla Inc CEO Elon Musk indicated on Friday that the U.S. electric automaker will enter India in 2021.

“Next year for sure,” Musk said on Twitter in reply to a post with a picture of a T-shirt with the message: “India wants Tesla”.

“Thanks for waiting,” Musk added.

Tesla’s entry could come at a time when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is increasingly becoming focussed on encouraging the use and production of electric vehicles.

India’s auto sector is recovering from the coronavirus crisis and automakers are seeking government support to push sales.

Musk commented in March 2019 about entering India, in response to someone on Twitter who asked “What about India sir?”.

“Would love to be there this year. If not, definitely next!” he said.

Last month it was reported that Tesla is in talks with Karnataka government officials for opening a research center in Bengaluru.