Elon Musk Apologises For Missing Meeting With Union Minister Piyush Goyal

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal made a notable visit to Tesla's manufacturing facility in Fremont, California. While celebrating India's pivotal role in Tesla's journey, Goyal engaged with Indian professionals there but missed the chance to meet Elon Musk due to his health.

Acknowledging Goyal's visit, Musk expressed gratitude for the honor and anticipated a future meeting, though he couldn't meet in person due to being unwell. Goyal shared his excitement about witnessing Indian talent in key roles at Tesla's facility and highlighted the increasing contribution of Indian auto component suppliers to Tesla's EV supply chain.

The exchange also highlighted Tesla's plans to establish a manufacturing unit in India, aiming to produce an affordable $24,000 car domestically. Reports suggested that India might offer customs duty concessions to Tesla for this purpose. Goyal mentioned Tesla's intentions to source components worth $1.9 billion from India in the current year, a significant increase from $1 billion in 2022.

Elon Musk had previously expressed interest in setting up a manufacturing unit in India, contingent upon the success of importing Tesla vehicles due to high import duties, calling them the highest among major countries.