Union commerce minister, Piyush Goyal, recently visited Tesla's manufacturing facility in California. However, the anticipated meeting between Goyal and Tesla CEO Elon Musk did not take place.

During his visit, Goyal expressed his delight at seeing talented Indian engineers and finance professionals contributing to Tesla's journey in transforming mobility. He also commended the growing importance of Indian auto component suppliers in Tesla's electric vehicle (EV) supply chain, stating that the company is expected to double its import of components from India.

Goyal, who was in San Francisco for ministerial engagements, had planned to discuss Tesla's plans to establish a factory in India with Elon Musk. Expressing his regret for Musk's absence, Goyal wished him a speedy recovery.

In response, Musk expressed his appreciation for Goyal's visit, stating that he was honored by the presence of the commerce minister. Musk apologized for not being able to travel to California and expressed his eagerness to meet Goyal at a future date.

The Indian government is making efforts to attract Tesla and other EV manufacturers to the country. They plan to offer tax cuts on completely-built units of EVs for up to five years, aiming to encourage companies like Tesla to sell and manufacture their cars in India, where the EV market is still in its early stages.

Currently, EVs account for less than 1.5 percent of total passenger vehicle sales in India, primarily due to the high cost of cars, limited options, and the need for more charging stations. The government's plan to incentivize EV imports aims to facilitate the country's transition towards cleaner energy.

Overall, Piyush Goyal's visit to Tesla's factory showcased the growing collaboration between India and Tesla in the EV sector. Despite Elon Musk's absence, the discussions between the Indian government and Tesla remain crucial for the future of electric mobility in India.