Elon Musk‘s satellite internet company Starlink has said its engagement with the Indian government remains positive and ongoing, pushing back against reports that its approval process for commercial operations in India has stalled.
Lauren Dreyer, Vice President, Starlink Business Operations, said on social media platform X that the company has been holding constructive discussions with the Indian government about how its satellite broadband services can support the country’s digital connectivity plans, particularly in areas with limited internet access.
Dreyer added that the company continues to have active and meaningful discussions with the Indian government, dismissing media reports suggesting its application had been put on hold. She said such reports were based on unverified claims from unnamed sources and did not reflect the current status of talks.
“Starlink remains in active and productive discussions with the Government of India, contrary to misleading stories based upon unsubstantiated claims from anonymous sources. We have worked with the Government through all of the required regulatory and compliance processes in a transparent and responsible manner,” the post read.
Reaffirming Starlink’s commitment to the Indian market, she said the company is looking forward to launching its services in the country as soon as possible in coordination with the government.
Starlink remains in active and productive discussions with the Government of India contrary to misleading stories based upon unsubstantiated claims from anonymous sources.
We have worked with the Government through all of the required regulatory and compliance processes in a… https://t.co/BQdcDHmPaf
— Lauren Dreyer (@LaurenDreyer) June 9, 2026
Starlink’s deployment model specifically for India, says Dreyer
Dreyer also said Starlink has designed a deployment model specifically for India to meet the country’s technology, regulatory and security requirements. According to Dreyer, the customised approach reflects the company’s willingness to operate within India’s strategic and sovereign policy framework. “To align with India’s sovereign technology, regulatory and security requirements, Starlink has set up a bespoke deployment model for India that further demonstrates our commitment to working within India’s strategic framework,” she added.
What did the report claim?
Bloomberg had reported that India had frozen final approvals for Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service which led to fresh uncertainty just days before SpaceX’s highly anticipated IPO.
The report said that the security agencies under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) withheld the key clearances Starlink needs to launch in India. Citing people familiar with the matter, the report said that officials were worried that the US-owned service’s terminals could be used in conflict zones, such as the Iran war.
Last year, Starlink conducted security demonstrations that were reviewed by telecom authorities and a specialised security panel. Since then, Indian officials have demanded stricter compliance on operational control, data handling, and how the company would respond during crises.
Starlink’s efforts on the ground
Starlink has actively engaged with Indian authorities, submitting affidavits and confirming compliance with local data storage rules. The company has already built infrastructure, including around 10 gateways and a hub in Mumbai. Senior executives have held multiple meetings with ministers and officials to push the process forward.
Dreyer added that Starlink has completed all required regulatory and compliance procedures in a transparent and responsible manner while working closely with Indian authorities. She said the company has consistently received positive feedback about the role its technology could play in improving connectivity, especially in remote parts of the country.