Elon Musk puts off India visit to ‘later’, Internet says, ‘No rush! We'll hold off on chai-samosa plans’

livemint.com:

Tesla's Elon Musk likely to unveil ₹3 billion India investment during visit Additionally, he was likely to explore opportunities for his satellite internet business, Starlink, in India, pending regulatory approvals. Musk had in the past called for import duty reduction in India for it to be able to sell Tesla cars in the country.

Musk's planned visit to India comes on the heels of the government's recent announcement of a new electric vehicle policy. This policy includes import duty concessions for companies establishing manufacturing units in India with a minimum investment of USD 500 million, a move aimed at attracting major global players like Tesla.

Under the policy, companies establishing manufacturing facilities for electric vehicle (EV) passenger cars will be permitted to import a limited number of cars at a reduced customs/import duty of 15 per cent for vehicles costing USD 35,000 and above. This concession will be applicable for five years from the date of issuance of the approval letter by the government.

Currently, cars imported as completely built units (CBUs) are subject to customs duty ranging from 70 per cent to 100 per cent, depending on factors such as engine size and the cost, insurance, and freight (CIF) value, PTI reported. Also Read: EV Policy to intensify competition in Passenger Vehicle segment, auto component makers key beneficiaries, say analysts Last year, Tesla approached the Indian government seeking duty cuts to import its vehicles in India.

In 2022, Musk said that Tesla, which was earlier seeking a reduction in import duties to sell its vehicles in India, would not manufacture its products unless it is allowed to first sell and service its cars in the country. Musk's satellite communication