New Delhi: India is on the verge of a transformative digital milestone as SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service nears regulatory clearance, paving the way for its launch in the country. With most of the necessary approvals already in place, final authorisations are expected to be completed in the coming days, according to top space officials.
In an exclusive interaction, Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman of IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center) — the nation’s commercial space regulator — confirmed that regulatory and licensing hurdles for Starlink have largely been addressed.
“Only a few procedural steps remain before authorisation is granted. However, even after the approvals, it will take a few months before the service becomes operational,” said Dr. Goenka.
Dr. Goenka recently held high-level discussions with Gwynne Shotwell, President and COO of SpaceX, during her visit to India. The meeting focused on ironing out the last remaining authorisation issues, signaling a strong commitment from both sides to bring satellite-based broadband to Indian consumers.
Starlink is among three major global players — alongside OneWeb and SES — racing to offer satellite internet services in India. The technology promises to deliver high-speed internet to some of the country’s most remote and underserved regions, including rural villages, hilly terrains, and areas where traditional broadband infrastructure has struggled to reach.
“Satellite connectivity is a game-changer, especially for a country like India where geographical barriers often limit internet access,” Dr. Goenka said.
He expressed confidence that the collaborative efforts of satellite providers would play a critical role in bridging India’s digital divide, a key goal of the Indian government’s Digital India mission.
The progress on Starlink’s regulatory journey coincides with a broader phase of growth in India’s space sector, marked by international collaboration, increasing private sector participation, and policy support. With companies like SpaceX entering the Indian market, the country is cementing its position as a strategic player in the global space economy.
Dr. Goenka noted that IN-SPACe is actively working to create a conducive environment for private players, not only to operate in India but to thrive as part of a vibrant, competitive space ecosystem. Starlink
While Starlink is not expected to go live immediately, the clearance of major regulatory hurdles is seen as a significant milestone. Once operational, the service could bring broadband access to millions of Indians, unlocking educational, financial, and economic opportunities for populations in the country’s most isolated areas.
“The vision is to enable inclusive digital growth — and space-based internet connectivity is central to that,” Dr. Goenka said.
As the final approvals come through, the countdown has truly begun for Starlink’s entry into the Indian market. The initiative holds the promise of turning India’s digital dreams into reality — one satellite at a time.
