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.

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.

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.

Tesla has officially launched its India debut with the inauguration of its Mumbai showroom by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The company unveiled its Model Y, highlighting Maharashtra's supportive EV policy and infrastructure.

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 official showroom in India at Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex, marking a milestone in the country’s electric mobility space.