Telangana Minister KT Rama Rao Invites Tesla CEO Elon Musk To Set Shop In The State

Telangana Industry & Commerce Minister KT Rama Rao recently reached out to Tesla's CEO Elon Musk on Twitter inviting him to set shop in the state. The minister said that the Telangana state government is open to partnering with Tesla in working through the challenges faced by the EV maker. The invitation from the minister comes a day after Musk responded to a Tweet, saying that the company is still working on a lot of challenges with the Indian government.

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Hey Elon, I am the Industry & Commerce Minister of Telangana state in India

Will be happy to partner Tesla in working through the challenges to set shop in India/Telangana

Our state is a champion in sustainability initiatives & a top notch business destination in India https://t.co/hVpMZyjEIr

— KTR (@KTRTRS) January 14, 2022

KT Rama Rao said on Twitter, "Hey Elon, I am the Industry & Commerce Minister of Telangana state in India. Will be happy to partner Tesla in working through the challenges to set shop in India/Telangana. Our state is a champion in sustainability initiatives & a top notch business destination in India."

The EV maker has been lobbying the Indian government to reduce import duty on electric vehicles to 40 per cent, saying that this step would make EVs more affordable and boost sales. The Ministry of Heavy Industries and Ministry of Finance earlier had asked Tesla to increase localisation and share ramp-up plans along with considering local assembly of cars, before seeking any relief from the government. However, the company hasn't given any commitments or assurance regarding the same.

Also Read: Tesla India Officials Meet MoRTH Secretary In Delhi, Take A Test Drive In Model 3

Tesla has been lobbying the government for a reduction in import duty

Musk has been outspoken on social media about the import tax laws in India, calling the import duty on cars in India, the highest anywhere in the world. India levies an import duty of 60 per cent on EVs that cost $40,000 or less, and 100% duty on those priced over $40,000. Musk had previously said that Tesla will consider opening a factory in India, if it finds success with imports.