- Elon Musk’s surprise visit to China follows the cancellation of his planned trip to India, causing controversy and sparking criticism.
- Musk was expected to announce a significant investment in India but cited “very heavy Tesla obligations” as the reason for the cancellation.
- The incident underscores the delicate balance of diplomatic and business relations between India and China, with implications for foreign investment and geopolitical dynamics in the region.
Elon Musk’s unexpected trip to China has stirred controversy after he cancelled a planned visit to India, leaving Indian officials feeling spurned. Musk was scheduled to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and announce a substantial investment in a car plant, but cited “very heavy Tesla obligations” as the reason for the cancellation.
The move has been interpreted as a blow to India-China relations, already strained since a border clash in 2020. Musk’s swift pivot to China, where he met with Premier Li Qiang and made progress on Tesla’s initiatives, has raised eyebrows in India and drawn criticism from media outlets.
Indian news channels have questioned Musk’s priorities, with some labeling his actions as a snub to India. The cancellation of his India trip, which could have bolstered Modi’s re-election campaign, has fueled speculation about the state of regulatory policies and business climate in India.
While Musk has expressed a desire to visit India later in the year, the incident has highlighted India’s efforts to attract foreign investment amid geopolitical tensions. Critics have seized upon Musk’s China visit to criticize Modi’s government, emphasizing the need for a more conducive business environment to prevent further instances of companies turning to China over India.
