Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal recently met with senior representatives from Starlink, the satellite internet services company owned by Elon Musk, to discuss the company’s innovative technology, existing collaborations, and future investment plans in India. The Starlink delegation included Vice President Chad Gibbs and Senior Director Ryan Goodnight. This meeting, held on April 16, 2025, marks a significant step in advancing Starlink’s long-awaited entry into the Indian market.
During the discussions, Minister Goyal highlighted Starlink’s cutting-edge satellite internet platform and its potential to provide high-speed, low-latency broadband connectivity across India, especially in remote and underserved regions where traditional telecom infrastructure is costly or difficult to deploy. Starlink’s low Earth orbit satellite constellation is designed to support streaming, online gaming, video calls, and other data-intensive applications, making it a promising solution for bridging India’s digital divide.
Starlink has recently partnered with India’s leading telecom operators Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio to integrate satellite broadband services with their existing networks. These collaborations aim to enhance internet accessibility for millions of users, leveraging Starlink’s technology alongside terrestrial infrastructure. Both Airtel and Jio plan to distribute Starlink equipment through their retail and online channels, providing customer support for installation and activation.
The meeting also addressed regulatory and security concerns that have delayed Starlink’s license approval in India. The government has requested Starlink to establish a control center within the country to enable the suspension or shutdown of services in sensitive areas when necessary, ensuring compliance with national security requirements. Additionally, provisions for lawful interception by Indian authorities were discussed to maintain law and order.
With India’s digital economy expanding rapidly and over 800 million internet users, the government is keen to create a transparent and facilitative policy environment that encourages private sector participation in next-generation connectivity solutions. Starlink’s entry is expected to accelerate last-mile internet access, especially in rural and interior regions, supporting India’s Digital India vision.
If regulatory approvals proceed smoothly, Starlink could soon begin offering satellite broadband services in India, unlocking new opportunities for innovation, space technology collaborations, and enhanced connectivity nationwide.
