Indian authorities have recently refuted claims of considering a duty waiver for Tesla, led by Elon Musk. This announcement follows reports suggesting that Tesla was in discussions regarding an investment proposal to establish a local factory capable of producing around half a million electric vehicles annually. While India is interested in having Tesla manufacture vehicles within the country, the company had previously expressed its intention, to begin with exports as a means to gauge market demand.
Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra stated, “Any duty waiver for Tesla is not currently being actively considered by the Department of Revenue,” in response to these claims, according to Reuters.
Last year, Tesla’s plans for entering the Indian market faced obstacles when the government declined to reduce import taxes on its cars. India imposes import taxes as high as 100% on electric vehicles. However, in May of this year, Tesla engaged in fresh discussions with government officials to explore the incentives offered for its cars and battery manufacturing.
Please note that the information provided is based on the available data up until September 2021, and there may have been further developments since then.
