First look at Starbucks' India store

Starbucks inaugurated its first store in India on October 19 in the historic Elphinstone Building in south Mumbai.

The company, in a joint venture with Tata Global Beverages, plans to open two additional stores in Mumbai - one in the Taj Mahal Palace hotel and another in the Oberoi hotel - before launching in New Delhi early 2013.

Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz (left) speaks to the media about the company's India plans. "It is perhaps the most elegant, beautiful, dynamic store we've opened in our history," Shultz told reporters at the launch. Tata Global Beverages Vice-chairman R.K. Krishna Kumar is also seen (right).

Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz (left) with Tata group Chairman Ratan Tata at the inauguration of the first Starbucks outlet in India, in Mumbai.

Employees of the newly inaugurated Starbucks India outlet at work in Mumbai. The Seattle-based coffee giant seeks growth in a market long associated with tea drinkers.

A January 30, 2012, photo of Tata Global Beverages Vice-chairman R.K. Krishankumar (left) with Starbuck President (China and Asia Pacific) John Culver, announcing the tie-up and the intended launch of the first outlet in Mumbai.