Starlink In India? IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Says 'Welcome', Then Deletes Tweet
SpaceX is still waiting for the green light from Indian regulators before launching Starlink commercially.
IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw briefly welcomed Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service to India in a tweet — only to delete it soon after, sparking speculation about the government’s stance on the project. The now-vanished tweet followed announcements from Jio and Airtel about their partnerships with SpaceX to bring Starlink connectivity to the country.
Vaishnaw’s tweet read, “Starlink, welcome to India!” and also highlighted its potential for “remote area railway projects.” However, the tweet was swiftly removed without explanation, leaving many wondering whether official regulatory approvals were still up in the air.
Regulatory Roadblocks Still Ahead?
Despite the hype, SpaceX is still waiting for the green light from Indian regulators before launching Starlink commercially. India has historically been cautious about satellite-based communications, imposing strict regulations on satellite phones.
Elon Musk has long sought Starlink’s entry into India, but previous attempts have been unsuccessful. However, recent geopolitical shifts and business developments — including India’s softened stance on Tesla’s electric vehicle imports — suggest a possible change in attitude toward Musk-led enterprises.
Jio & Airtel Back Starlink’s India Entry
Jio and Airtel’s collaboration with SpaceX marks a significant step toward bringing satellite-powered internet to India. Under the partnership, the telecom giants will sell Starlink’s hardware — including satellite antennas and accessories — enabling users to access the service.
Starlink operates using a network of satellites to deliver high-speed broadband, making it particularly valuable for remote and underserved regions. Unlike traditional fiber-optic internet, its satellite-based infrastructure remains resilient to extreme weather and natural disasters.
A Strategic Shift for Jio & Airtel
Interestingly, Jio and Airtel, which were previously seen as hesitant about Starlink’s entry, are now playing a crucial role in its expansion. Jio announced plans to not only retail Starlink equipment but also provide installation and activation support.
Airtel, meanwhile, confirmed that its partnership with SpaceX would explore expanding Starlink services to business customers and rural communities, including schools and healthcare centres.
What’s Next for Starlink in India?
Bharti Enterprises chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal hinted at the far-reaching impact of satellite internet, stating, “Soon customers will be able to carry their mobiles to the remotest part of the world, with them in the skies and blue oceans.”
While Vaishnaw’s deleted tweet remains a mystery, industry insiders believe regulatory approvals could be on the horizon. If cleared, Starlink’s entry could revolutionise India’s internet landscape, particularly in regions where traditional broadband infrastructure is still lacking.
Top Headlines
