Tesla chief Elon Musk this morning said he has postponed his planned trip to India due to “very heavy Tesla obligations”, a day before his visit was expected to begin. Musk, who owns Tesla and SpaceX, was to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his two-day visit and announce investment plans for his businesses.

The world’s richest man confirmed on X he has delayed his trip, but said he looks forward to visiting India later this year.

Unfortunately, very heavy Tesla obligations require that the visit to India be delayed, but I do very much look forward to visiting later this year.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 20, 2024

“Unfortunately, very heavy Tesla obligations require that the visit to India be delayed, but I do very much look forward to visiting later this year,” said the tech entrepreneur.

Musk had said last week he was “looking forward to meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in India”, after which reports said he could arrive in the country on April 21.

He had met the Prime Minister in the US last June and described himself as his “fan”, assuring that Tesla will enter the Indian market “as soon as humanly possible”.

His India visit was expected to bring breakthroughs for Tesla and Starlink, a satellite internet operator that he owns, taking advantage of the growing domestic demand in the country.

Tesla, an electric carmaker, is reportedly looking for newer markets, India being among them.

Starlink is set to receive initial approvals to operate in India, news agency AFP reported. Days earlier, the government notified had changes to its foreign direct investment policy in the space sector to liberalise entry routes for offshore investors in Indian companies.