NEW DELHI (Diya TV) — India has effectively paused the final approvals needed for Elon Musk’s satellite internet service Starlink to begin commercial operations in the country, according to a Bloomberg report citing people familiar with the matter.
The move comes as Indian security agencies examine concerns about the reported use of Starlink terminals during the recent conflict involving Iran. Officials are reviewing whether the U.S.-based company can meet India’s security requirements during periods of geopolitical tension. The delay marks a significant hurdle for Starlink, which has been working for years to enter one of the world’s largest telecommunications markets.
According to Bloomberg, security agencies under India’s Ministry of Home Affairs have not granted the final security clearance required for Starlink to launch services. The company received a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) license nearly a year ago. That license allowed Starlink to prepare for operations and establish commercial partnerships. However, it did not authorize the company to begin offering services to customers.
Indian officials reportedly remain concerned about how the government would maintain oversight of a foreign-owned communications provider during national security emergencies. The concerns have intensified following reports that Starlink terminals were used in the Middle East conflict, even in areas where the service was not officially licensed.
Starlink has already completed several security demonstrations before telecommunications authorities and a dedicated security review panel, Bloomberg reported. Despite those efforts, officials later requested additional information and compliance measures. Authorities want clearer assurances about how Starlink would comply with Indian laws and security directives while operating a global satellite network controlled from outside the country. The company’s security clearance remains pending until officials receive satisfactory explanations regarding those concerns, according to the report.
Neither India’s Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Communications, nor SpaceX immediately responded to requests for comment. The delay could affect the broader development of India’s satellite internet sector.
Bloomberg reported that the pending security review has also slowed progress on a satellite-spectrum pricing framework. The Department of Telecommunications has reportedly finalized the proposal, but officials have not yet forwarded it to the Union Cabinet for approval. The framework is considered an important step for commercial satellite communication services in India. Industry observers have closely watched the policy because it could shape competition among satellite internet providers seeking access to the Indian market. India remains a major growth opportunity for companies offering broadband connectivity through satellites, particularly in rural and remote regions where traditional internet infrastructure remains limited.
India represents one of Starlink’s most important potential markets due to its large population and growing demand for high-speed internet access. The company aims to provide broadband services through a network of low-Earth-orbit satellites that can reach areas underserved by conventional telecom networks. A prolonged delay could slow Starlink’s expansion plans in Asia and limit its ability to tap into one of the fastest-growing digital economies in the world.
The regulatory uncertainty also comes at an important moment for SpaceX. Bloomberg reported that the company is preparing for what could become one of the largest public offerings in history. The expected Nasdaq listing could value SpaceX at approximately $1.75 trillion. Starlink plays a central role in SpaceX’s growth strategy and revenue projections. As a result, regulatory developments in major markets such as India carry significant importance for investors and the company’s long-term expansion plans.
Indian officials have not indicated when a final decision on Starlink’s security clearance may be made.
