PM Modi US Visit: Starlink India Launch May be in Agenda

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to discuss with Elon Musk the potential entry of Starlink into the Indian market during his visit to the United States. This meeting follows a period of regulatory hurdles and competition from Indian telecom companies. While the Indian government has shown support for Musk’s stance that satellite spectrum should be assigned rather than auctioned, Starlink’s application remains under review.   

Starlink has encountered significant regulatory challenges in India, particularly concerning the allocation of spectrum for satellite-based internet services. Domestic telecom companies have pushed for spectrum auctions, while the Indian government remains open to further discussions on Starlink’s expansion in the South Asian market.   

To ease regulatory concerns, Elon Musk has expressed a willingness to address India’s security requirements, including an agreement to store Indian user data locally. This commitment to data localization is seen as a critical step in facilitating approvals and establishing Starlink’s operations in India, aligning with the government’s expectations for foreign companies operating within the country.