Tesla has officially launched in India

Reuters

Tesla's highly-anticipated entry into India has finally happened with the opening of its first showroom — nine years after CEO Elon Musk first hinted at its launch.

Tesla officially entered the Indian market on Tuesday, launching its first showroom in Mumbai, known as the country's financial capital.

The U.S. EV maker also introduced its Model Y in India at about $70,000, the highest price among major markets, as the U.S. automaker struggles with declining sales and bets on the country's prospects, which CEO Elon Musk has long criticized for its high import tariffs.

With deliveries expected to begin in the third quarter, Tesla is targeting a niche electric vehicle segment in India that makes up just 4% of total sales in the world's third-largest car market.

Tesla has long lobbied India to lower import tariffs on cars, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's officials are still in discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump's administration to reduce the levies under a bilateral trade agreement.

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