Indian media was surprised and upset when Tesla CEO Elon Musk canceled his planned trip to India and instead made a surprise visit to China. The Indian opposition seized the opportunity to criticize Prime Minister Narendra Modi, suggesting that his policies were driving away foreign investors.
Originally, Musk was set to visit New Delhi to meet with Modi, announce a new $3 billion Tesla factory, and discuss importing Teslas into India. However, he abruptly canceled the trip, citing heavy Tesla obligations. Instead, he visited China, where he met with Premier Li Qiang and received approval for Tesla’s self-driving feature.
Indian media reacted strongly to Musk’s decision, questioning his motives and the implications for India. The Indian opposition used the snub as ammunition against Modi, suggesting that foreign investors were turning to China over India due to regulatory policies.
While Musk’s visit to China raised eyebrows in India, it was seen as a strategic move in response to pressure from the Chinese Communist Party. Musk’s ties with China, amidst declining EV sales and cost-cutting measures at Tesla, showcased the delicate balance between global tech giants and Chinese policies.
Overall, Musk’s decision to postpone his India trip highlighted the complexities of foreign investments and political dynamics in the region. The situation underscored the importance of balancing business interests with political considerations in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
