Tesla Rolls In: India’s First Model Y Delivered to Maharashtra Minister

Automobile

Updated on Sep - 05 - 2025, 03:47 PM

On 5 September 2025, a simple moment of Mumbai turned into headlines: Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik became the first person to take delivery of Tesla Model Y in India. It came from Electric SUV Tesla's recently open "Experience Centre" from Bandra Kurla Complex, which symbolizes the company's long -awaited India.

This isn’t just a fancy car handover it’s a symbol. A minister receiving this cutting-edge EV signals more than personal pride; it’s a public endorsement of green, sustainable mobility. And it’s deliberate. Sarnaik revealed plans to gift the Model Y to his grandson, hoping children, the future’s most impressionable citizens, see EVs as a matter of course not novelty.

Despite India’s steep import duties making Tesla models pricier than in other markets, this delivery reflects increasing demand among luxury and eco-conscious segments. It lays the groundwork for Tesla’s expansion across India, with charging infrastructure and showrooms potentially following in time.

The day was a milestone not just for the minister, but for the nation’s EV journey. Whether this sparks wider enthusiasm remains to be seen but Tesla’s arrival and Sarnaik’s visible support could tip the scale toward broader acceptance of electric mobility.

From sleek design to sustainability, this first delivery is more than a personal achievement—it might just be a spark for systemic change.