Scindia & Starlink Talks: Satellite Internet to Transform India’s Last-Mile Connectivity

Updated: December 11, 2025 06:01

Image Source: Economic Times

Union Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia held discussions with Lauren Dreyer, Vice President of Starlink Business Operations (SpaceX), on expanding satellite-based last-mile internet access across India. The talks emphasized rural connectivity, regulatory frameworks, and Starlink’s role in advancing India’s digital inclusion agenda, with Elon Musk himself expressing enthusiasm about serving India.

India’s digital transformation received a significant boost this week as Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia met with senior executives from Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet venture led by Elon Musk. The meeting, held in New Delhi, focused on expanding satellite-based last-mile internet connectivity to underserved and remote regions across the country.

Scindia highlighted that satellite technology will be pivotal in bridging India’s digital divide, ensuring that citizens in rural and hard-to-reach areas gain access to reliable, high-speed internet. He reiterated that this initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a digitally empowered India, where connectivity is seen as a driver of inclusive development.

Starlink has already signed agreements with states like Maharashtra to pilot rural connectivity projects. The company’s executives, led by Lauren Dreyer, discussed regulatory progress and operational strategies to accelerate rollout. Following the meeting, Elon Musk responded on social media, saying: “Looking forward to serving India with Starlink!”—a clear signal of the company’s commitment to the Indian market.

Major Takeaways

High-Level Talks: Scindia met Starlink’s leadership to discuss expanding satellite internet in India.

Digital Inclusion: Focus on rural and remote connectivity to bridge the digital divide.

Government Vision: Initiative supports PM Modi’s goal of a digitally empowered nation.

State Partnerships: Starlink has begun collaborations, including with Maharashtra, for rural pilots.

Global Commitment: Elon Musk publicly expressed enthusiasm about serving India.

Notable Updates

Regulatory Progress: Discussions included easing approvals for satellite broadband services.

Strategic Role: Satellite internet seen as critical for education, healthcare, and e-governance in rural areas.

Timeline: Starlink aims for rollout in late 2025 or early 2026.

Conclusion

The collaboration between India and Starlink marks a turning point in the country’s connectivity journey. By leveraging satellite technology, India can ensure that even its most remote communities are part of the digital economy, unlocking opportunities in education, healthcare, and commerce while strengthening national digital infrastructure.

Sources: Moneycontrol, BusinessWorld, Hindustan Times, Economic Times, News18

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