Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to meet Elon Musk during his upcoming visit to the United States. A major topic expected to be on the agenda is Starlink’s entry into the Indian market, where it plans to launch satellite broadband services.
Starlink’s Expansion in India
Starlink, Musk’s satellite internet company, has been eyeing the South Asian market, including India, for expansion. Although the Indian government has expressed its support for Starlink, particularly in the matter of spectrum allocation rather than auctioning, the company’s license application is still under review. Musk is reportedly willing to offer assurances regarding India’s security concerns, including the storage of data locally.
Challenges Faced by Starlink
Earlier in December, Starlink’s operations faced challenges in India after two of the company’s devices were seized by authorities. One device was confiscated from an area affected by armed conflict, and another was seized during a drug smuggling operation. This has raised questions about the company’s operations in India.
PM Modi’s Meeting with Musk and Future Prospects
While it’s uncertain if Musk’s other ventures, such as Tesla’s potential entry into India, will be part of the discussion, sources suggest that there will likely be discussions around the increased sourcing of electric vehicle components from India.
PM Modi’s visit to the US will also involve meetings with President Donald Trump, marking the first visit after Trump’s second presidential term. The Indian government hopes this visit will further strengthen bilateral relations between India and the US, focusing on technology, trade, and defense.
