Tesla has made its long-awaited entry into India with the opening of its first showroom — nine years after CEO Elon Musk first teased the move in April 2016 and following years of delays and shifting timelines in one of the world’s largest automotive markets.

Tesla’s long-awaited India debut comes as the government considers lowering EV import duties in a U.S. trade deal.

Despite multiple negotiations, Tesla’s entry into India’s EV market remains unconventional, choosing to import CBUs from China rather than setting up a local manufacturing unit, as required by the government.

Tesla entered India's market for the first time on Monday, making its Model Y SUV available and opening its first showroom in the nation.

The Indian version of Tesla’ website lists two models of the only EV it will begin delivering this fall, the Model Y. The entry-level version is a standard range, single-motor, rear-wheel drive Y that offers zero to 62 mph (100 kmh) in 5.9 seconds and a 311-mile (500 km) WLTP range.

Tesla's long-awaited entry into the Indian market focuses on a careful strategy with the launch of the Model Y amid evolving consumer behavior and market dynamics. Explore how Tesla navigates this competitive landscape and its implications for the luxury car segment.

Tesla Inc. opened its first India showroom, showcasing Model Y cars with a starting price of nearly $70,000, as Elon Musk’s electric-vehicle maker looks to tap new markets and offset slowing sales where it’s already well established.

With delivery estimated to start from the third quarter, Tesla will drive on to India's busy roads, targeting a niche premium EV segment that accounts for just 4% of overall sales in the world's third-largest car market.

As the race for Tesla's India insurance partners picks pace, listed players Bajaj Finserv Ltd. and ICICI Lombard General Insurance Co. are also pushing for a slice of the pie.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde took a Tesla Model Y ride outside Vidhan Bhavan, a day after Tesla opened its first Indian showroom in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex.