Tesla has officially landed in India with its first-ever Experience Centre in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex, and Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is rolling out the red carpet. Speaking at the grand opening, Fadnavis invited the electric vehicle giant to set up research, development, and manufacturing in the state, signaling big ambitions for India’s EV future.

“Maharashtra is ready to partner with Tesla on its journey,” Fadnavis declared, urging the company to consider local production. “We dream of seeing Tesla’s R&D and manufacturing thrive here.”

The Mumbai centre marks a bold statement of Tesla’s confidence in the city, which Fadnavis hailed as India’s hub of innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. “Tesla isn’t just about cars—it’s about design and a greener future, which resonates globally,” he said.

Fadnavis shared a personal anecdote, recalling his first Tesla ride in the US back in 2015. “I knew then we needed this in India. A decade later, Tesla’s here, and we’re thrilled,” he said, predicting India will become one of Tesla’s top markets.

Maharashtra is positioning itself as a leader in electric mobility, with robust policies for charging infrastructure, vehicle incentives, and manufacturing support. “This is just the start,” Fadnavis said. “Tesla has the potential to transform India’s EV market.”

Industry buzz suggests Tesla has already shipped Model Y rear-wheel drive SUVs from its China plant to India. The company also recently leased a 24,565-square-foot warehouse in Mumbai’s Lodha Logistics Park for five years, hinting at big plans.

However, Union Heavy Industries Minister H D Kumaraswamy noted last month that while Tesla is eager to establish showrooms, it’s not yet committed to manufacturing in India. For now, the Mumbai Experience Centre is a bold first step, with all eyes on whether Tesla will take Fadnavis up on his offer to make Maharashtra its manufacturing home.