A significant shift is happening in India’s digital landscape. The Modi government has given the green light for Elon Musk’s Starlink to offer its satellite internet service in the country. After navigating through regulatory challenges and national security issues, Starlink has finally secured the necessary approvals from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe).
This decision comes after a series of policy changes focused on security and local production, aligning with India’s Make in India and Digital India initiatives. These changes aim to boost local manufacturing and ensure that foreign companies comply with strict security standards.
The Road to Approval
Starlink’s journey in India began in 2021, but it was rocky. The company started taking pre-orders even before obtaining the required Global Mobile Personal Communications by Satellite (GMPCS) license. The Indian government intervened, warning the public that Starlink was operating unlawfully and demanding refunds for pre-orders.
Things took a serious turn in mid-2023 when Starlink devices were found in conflict-ridden areas of Manipur, raising alarms about unauthorized, encrypted communications. This prompted Indian security agencies to push for strict compliance with legal standards, focusing on user identification and data localization.
High-Level Talks
A diplomatic breakthrough occurred when Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Elon Musk during a visit to the United States in February 2025. They talked about integrating Starlink into India’s technological framework while addressing past regulatory oversights. Soon after, Starlink executives met Indian government officials to discuss future investments and collaboration in local infrastructure.
In June 2025, Starlink finally received the GMPCS license, allowing it to legally provide satellite services. By July, it had gained authorization from IN-SPACe to operate a constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites covering Indian airspace. This included commitments to establish ground stations and comply with security protocols, in line with the government’s expectations for foreign companies.
Local Production and Job Creation
A crucial part of this approval involves Starlink’s commitment to use at least 20% local infrastructure. This move is expected to generate jobs in Indian electronics manufacturing and support technological startups. Collaborations with local firms like Airtel and Jio could strengthen India’s position in the growing global space economy.
Connecting Rural India
Starlink’s technology is designed to deliver reliable internet service to remote areas where traditional connectivity options are limited. This aligns well with national initiatives aimed at bridging the urban-rural digital divide. The Indian government is exploring the use of Starlink for telemedicine in primary healthcare settings and online education for students in far-off villages.
Having consistent internet access could improve governance and disaster response in rural areas, empowering communities and enabling real-time monitoring of government policies.
Despite obtaining licenses, Starlink still awaits spectrum allocation for its satellite services. The Indian government has opted for an administrative approach rather than an auction, which has raised concerns among local telecom giants about unfair competition.
Starlink plans to roll out pilot services by the end of the year and aims for a nationwide launch in 2026, depending on infrastructure readiness and regulatory approvals.
A Model for Future Tech Collaborations
This recent development isn’t just about Starlink; it represents a broader approach to tech partnerships in India, combining innovation with national security and self-reliance. Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, this deal shows a shift towards a more strategic method of integrating foreign technology into the Indian market, ensuring that it benefits local communities without compromising national interests.
As India progresses on its digital journey, Starlink’s success could play a pivotal role in expanding its space-tech industry and moving closer to becoming a global leader in technology.
