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.

Wang, once a battery chemist, founded BYD in 1995. The company entered automobiles in 2003 and launched its first EV in 2009. Berkshire Hathaway invested $230 million in BYD in 2008—an early bet that has now returned over 15x.

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

Musk has talked about India for years. This time, the groundwork is finally being laid. The next few months will show if this is the start of something lasting.

With its sales cratering in the West, the electric vehicle giant is making a high-stakes pivot to the world's third-largest auto market.

Trilegal has advised Maker Group on the licensing of its premium retail premises in the iconic Maker Maxity, Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), to Tesla India. The Fir

Experts told CNBC that Tesla will compete in the premium segment of the market with the likes of BMW, rather than with local EVs like those from Tata Motors.

Tesla opened its first showroom in Mumbai, with Maharashtra Deputy CM taking a test ride. Bookings for the Model Y SUV are now open, and deliveries may start next month. The state aims to attract further investments in the EV sector.