Modi-Musk meeting: Is Starlink finally set to launch in India?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to meet tech billionaire Elon Musk during his visit to the United States, with Starlink’s long-anticipated entry into India expected to be a significant topic of discussion.

According to sources familiar with Reuters, Modi and Musk will engage in one-on-one talks, where India’s government hopes to gain clarity on Starlink’s plans to launch satellite broadband services in the country.

This meeting comes as Modi embarks on a two-day visit to the US, where he is also scheduled to meet President Donald Trump.

The discussions with Trump are expected to focus on trade negotiations, tariff concessions, and other economic matters. However, apart from Musk, Modi is not expected to meet with other major business leaders during this trip.

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Regulatory hurdles & Industry opposition

Starlink has long been eyeing India as a key market, but its entry has been delayed due to regulatory challenges and opposition from domestic telecom players. A major point of contention has been the method of spectrum allocation for satellite-based internet services.

Musk’s SpaceX has pushed for direct administrative spectrum assignments as Starlink’s licence application is still under review, and key regulatory approvals are pending.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) was initially expected to finalise its spectrum allocation guidelines by December 2024.

However, the deadline has been pushed back, leaving uncertainty over when Starlink can officially begin operations. Given the government’s national security concerns, authorities are likely to take a cautious approach before approving the service.

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Security concerns & Starlink’s challenges in India

Apart from regulatory delays, concerns over national security have also impacted Starlink’s progress in India. In December 2024, Musk revealed that Starlink services in India were inactive after authorities seized two of its devices — one found in an armed conflict zone and another linked to drug smuggling activities.

The Indian government has raised concerns over the potential misuse of satellite internet for illicit activities and its ability to provide anonymous communication channels.

To address these concerns, Musk has reportedly expressed willingness to comply with India’s data localisation requirements, ensuring that user data remains stored within the country.

Such assurances could play a crucial role in overcoming regulatory hesitations and expediting Starlink’s entry into the Indian market.

Starlink’s global presence & future plans

Starlink, a satellite internet service operated by SpaceX, has expanded significantly since its launch in 2019. The service now covers over 100 countries and territories, with more than 7,000 satellites in low Earth orbit providing global broadband connectivity.

Initially designed to improve rural and remote internet access, Starlink has also been instrumental in military operations, particularly in the Russo-Ukrainian war, where it has been contracted by the US Department of Defense.

SpaceX had ambitious plans for Starlink’s presence in India. In 2021, the company even began accepting preorders and appointed Sanjay Bhargava — one of Musk’s former PayPal colleagues—as the head of Starlink’s India operations.

However, regulatory pushback led to the suspension of preorders, and Bhargava resigned just three months later. In 2023, reports suggested that Starlink was close to receiving operational approval in India, but spectrum allocation issues have continued to delay its launch.

In April 2024, the company reportedly received in-principle approval from the government, with final decisions now pending before the communications minister.

Tesla and EV expansion in India?

While Starlink is expected to dominate the Modi-Musk discussions, it remains uncertain whether Tesla’s entry into India will also be addressed. Musk has long been vocal about his interest in bringing Tesla to India but has cited high import taxes as a major obstacle.

Although discussions on setting up a local manufacturing plant have been ongoing, no concrete plans have been finalised.

One area where Tesla and India may find common ground is the sourcing of electric vehicle (EV) components. India has been working on strengthening its EV supply chain, and Tesla could explore increased procurement of auto components from the country.

However, until major policy changes or new investment commitments emerge, Tesla’s India ambitions remain on hold.

Also Watch:

The demand for Starlink’s satellite internet in India remains strong, especially among rural users and underserved regions where traditional broadband infrastructure is lacking.

The Indian government has taken steps to facilitate satellite internet by supporting direct spectrum allocation, but regulatory delays persist.

If approved, Starlink could transform the country’s internet landscape, bringing high-speed satellite connectivity to remote areas and increasing competition in the broadband market.

With inputs from agencies