Kathmandu. Tesla, the world’s largest electric car manufacturer, has started preparing for its entry into India. The company has recently issued applications to start recruiting employees in various locations in India. However, US President Donald Trump has called Tesla’s India entry plan led by Elon Musk a very wrong decision. ‘It would be very unfair to America if Tesla sets up a factory in India to produce electric cars,’ Trump said.
In a joint interview with Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Fox News’ Sean Hannity, the US president said, ‘If Tesla opens a new tab and builds a factory in India to avoid taxes, it would be ‘unfair’ to America.’ Trump also criticized India’s high tariffs on cars during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US last week.
“Every country in the world takes advantage of us and they do it by imposing taxes. Because of this, it will be practically impossible for American companies to do business in other countries. If Musk wants to set up a Tesla factory in India, it will be good for him, but it is unfair, very unfair for America.’
According to a Reuters report, Tesla has selected two locations to start its retail outlets to enter India. The company is preparing to open its first showroom in the country’s capital Delhi as well as Mumbai. By opening showrooms in both these places, Tesla will move forward in the Indian car market.
Tesla had been considering entering India for a long time but had backed out due to high import duties. However, the Indian government’s policy has recently changed. In which the customs duty on luxury electric cars above $40,000 has been reduced from 110 percent to 70 percent. This new policy of the Indian government has made the Indian market more attractive for foreign companies.
