Mumbai: Electric vehicle giant Tesla is set to make its much-anticipated debut in India, with the company releasing a “Coming Soon” teaser poster featuring the word “India” on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle. The poster signals the official arrival of Elon Musk’s EV brand in the Indian market, with the first showroom scheduled to be inaugurated in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) on July 15.

Tesla showroom opens in Mumbai’s BKC

The Bandra Kurla Complex, one of Mumbai’s most high-profile commercial districts, will soon house Tesla’s flagship Indian showroom. The company has sent out exclusive invitations for the event, branding it as the “launch of Tesla in India.” Industry sources revealed to the Associated Press that Tesla has already shipped its first batch of vehicles—reportedly Model Y rear-wheel drive SUVs—from its manufacturing plant in China.

In a strategic move last month, Tesla leased 24,565 square feet of warehouse space at Lodha Logistics Park, Mumbai, for a five-year term, further underlining its commitment to India’s luxury EV segment.

Trade certificate clears way for test drives

In another crucial development, Tesla has received a trade certificate from Mumbai’s Andheri Regional Transport Office (RTO), officially authorising the company to display, test drive, and sell its cars in India. The certificate was granted under Section 35 of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, allowing Tesla to legally operate unregistered vehicles on public roads for exhibition, delivery, and service-related purposes. The certificate will remain valid for five years.

According to a senior RTO official, the approval was granted to Tesla India Motors and Energy Private Limited, marking the end of months of speculation regarding its Indian entry.

Musk’s India plans and geopolitical reactions

Tesla’s long-awaited entry comes after multiple delays, including Elon Musk’s cancelled visit to India last year due to pressing obligations at Tesla’s headquarters in Austin, Texas. In a previous statement, Union Heavy Industries Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy indicated that Tesla is currently not looking to manufacture in India, but rather to establish its retail and service footprint.

Interestingly, the India launch also caught global attention, with former US President Donald Trump criticising Musk’s decision to set up a showroom in India. Trump argued that if Tesla were to establish manufacturing units in India, it could be seen as bypassing American tariffs—something he deemed “unfair to the US,” as reported by AP.

Despite political noise, Tesla’s arrival has been seen as a major step forward for India’s premium EV segment and may push infrastructure development in charging and after-sales support.