The world’s richest man has spent years trying to get Starlink into the fast-growing economy. It could serve as a beachhead for his other business ambitions in IndiaIt is easy to believe that Elon Musk’s reach knows no limits. But while the world’s richest man may control a space satellite empire, own one of the largest social media platforms, produce the world’s bestselling electric car, and have been given carte blanche by Donald Trump to gut the US government, there is one market that Musk has yet to properly crack: India.Now, with his newfound influence over the Trump administration and global geopolitics, it appears likely that Musk’s entrance into the Indian market, both with his Tesla electric cars and his Starlink satellite internet, may come smoother and faster than expected. Continue reading...
Elon Musk's growing political influence, particularly through his ties to the Trump administration, may facilitate his entry into India's market. Musk met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023, discussing potential collaborations in innovation, space exploration, and sustainable development. Musk has expressed interest in bringing Tesla to India, where high tariffs on electric vehicles have previously hindered entry. A new Indian government scheme offering reduced tariffs on electric vehicles in exchange for local manufacturing investments could pave the way for Tesla to establish a factory in India. However, Musk's history of making and withdrawing commitments has raised concerns about his reliability.
Additionally, Musk's Starlink satellite internet service, operated by SpaceX, is seeking to enter India's telecom market. While India's telecom sector is strictly regulated, particularly concerning security, Starlink has shown interest in providing internet services to rural areas. However, there are concerns about potential security risks and competition from Indian telecom giants like Reliance Jio, which already offers low-cost internet services. Musk's influence and the Trump administration's support may expedite regulatory approvals, but challenges remain in navigating India's complex market dynamics.
