Tesla finally enters India. The all-electric driver will open his first exhibition hall in the country on July 15 in Mumbai, marking a long-awaited entry into one of the largest and fastest growing car markets in the world.
Invitations to the launch event began circulating on social media at the end of last week. “Launch event. Exclusive invitation,” the stylish black cards read. “Tesla Experience Center BKC.” The event is scheduled to take place from 11:00 to 12:30 pm local time, with guests asked to arrive early. The site is located in the highest Bandra Kurla complex of Mumbai.
As with most things Tesla, the invitation triggered a storm of reactions online, a keen excitement of fans and a sharp skepticism from critics. And it’s no surprise. CEO Elon Musk’s company is under huge pressure, financially and politically.
Tesla’s global problems
Tesla’s sales decreased over most of 2025, weighed by a mix of aging models, intensifying global competition and self-caused political damage. The company’s current lineup includes the 3 Sedan Model, the Y SUV model (currently the world’s best -selling electric vehicle), the CyberTruck, the luxury Berlin Model S, and the X SUV model. But Tesla has not launched a new passenger vehicle in years, and the lineup begins to show its age.
Meanwhile, hereditary cars and aggressive actions have closed the technology gap. General Motors, Ford, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Byd, Nio, and others roll new electric vehicles with fierce rhythm, often priced more competitively than Tesla’s core offers.
Adding to the pressure is Musk’s increasingly polarizing public person. Once a worship hero for technology progressives and climate advocates, Musk alienated much of Tesla’s original customer base with its far -right political rhetoric and attacks on perceived “awakened” institutions.
The company also faces significant macroeconomic heads. In the last three months, Tesla’s overall sales have declined by 13.5%. President Donald Trump’s trade war has crippled sales in Canada, forcing a desperate, deep price to cut the Y. and in the United States, demand for electric vehicles expected to decline with the end of the federal tax credit of $ 7,500 on September 30.
Against this tumultuous background, the Indian market could not come in a better time.
India: a lifetime market
India is now the third largest car market in the world, behind China and the United States. Although EV adoption in India remains low compared to Western countries, the sector grows rapidly, fed by government incentives and growing urban middle class.
Tesla has its eye on India for years, but repeated attempts to enter the market have been blocked by disputes over local factory demands and high import taxes. That advance finally came in early 2025, after Musk met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a state visit to Washington.
“Spoke to @elonmusk and talked about various things,” Modi posted in X last April. “We discussed the immense potential for collaboration in the areas of technology and innovation.”
Musk replied: “I look forward to visiting India later this year!”
It was an honor to talk to Prime Minister Modi.
I look forward to visiting India later this year! https://t.co/tyup6w5gys
– Elon Musk (@elonmusk) 19 April 2025
In a preview of the launch, Tesla created an official account in X, @tesla_india, posting a single tweet that read “Soon.” Because Tesla does not have a factory in the country, vehicles are expected to be imported from its Gigafactory in Shanghai.
First deliveries will come soon?
According to Bloomberg, Tesla had already shipped his first blow of vehicles, mostly Model y SUVs. That did not stop a wave of preview of construction.
“Does reservations open?” One user posted in X.
Reservations are open?
– nitish bhatia (@nitishbhatia1) 11 July 2025
“Is any word about the first deliveries?” another asked. “Finally excited to see Tesla cars on Indian roads,” wrote a third. “All owners taking first deliveries, please register and share your thoughts or make vlog.”
Awesome, finally excited to see Tesla cars on Indian roads. All the owners taking first deliveries, please register and share your thoughts or make vlog. I will gladly watch such videos as I wonder about Tesla India’s experience. I’m sure many other people are …
– Cybrtsla (@cybrtsla) 11 July 2025
“Finally the most beloved dream of @Teslaclubin and car -enthusiasts as I end up on July 15,” another user said. “Finally a long wait is over,” another added.
But skepticism remains. A valuable analyst warned: “$ TSL India will be even less competitive and profitable than Tesla China, which is covered.”
$ Tsla India will be even less competitive and profitable than Tesla China, which is covered https://t.co/yyva5jzrue
– Yemena Ra’idi (@ ValueEnast1) 11 July 2025
Is it a narrative move or a desperate gamble?
Tesla’s launch in India comes in weak time. The company is under pressure to restore the storytelling, re -sales and reassuring investors. Entering a new, mass market is a clear bet on growth. But it also raises questions about profitability, supply chain logistics and whether Tesla can still lead the Global EV race.
Currently the launch of Tesla’s first exhibition hall in Mumbai marks the start of a new chapter. The real test will be whether India will become the next great successful story of Tesla, or just another title in a rough year for Musk’s empire.
