The Centre has objected strongly to satellite internet company Starlink entering into memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and Letters of Intent (LoIs) with State governments before obtaining the necessary licence to operate in India. The government has made it clear to senior Starlink officials that such agreements cannot be taken forward without the required regulatory approvals.
The Centre has also instructed States that have already signed MoUs or LoIs with Starlink to halt any projects or further implementation until the company receives the necessary clearance from the central government.
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Several States have signed agreements with Starlink
Over the past year, States including Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Meghalaya have entered into agreements with Starlink for satellite-based internet connectivity.
Maharashtra was the first among these States to sign a Letter of Intent with Starlink in November 2025. The State government had said the proposed collaboration would help connect government institutions, rural communities and critical public infrastructure in remote and underserved areas.
In February 2026, the Gujarat government exchanged an LoI with Starlink for cooperation on high-speed satellite internet connectivity. The proposed initiative was aimed at improving connectivity in remote, border and underserved parts of the State.
The Meghalaya government signed an MoU with Starlink India in April 2026. The State had said the arrangement was intended to extend connectivity to schools, healthcare centres and rural communities in areas where conventional telecom infrastructure has limited reach.
Projects put on hold pending Centre’s approval
According to government sources, the Centre has now directed these States to halt ongoing discussions and proposed projects with Starlink until the company receives the required approvals.
The government has also questioned how the company could enter into formal agreements with State governments without first obtaining the licence required for operations in India.
Other States have also been cautioned against proceeding with any Starlink-related project without prior approval from the Centre.
The government’s concerns extend beyond licensing. Authorities are also examining security aspects associated with satellite-based communication services, particularly in border States and the northeastern region.
Security concerns in border areas
The Centre wants to ensure that satellite internet technology is deployed in India only after potential security risks have been adequately addressed. Authorities are paying particular attention to sensitive regions where border security and insurgency-related concerns exist.
Government sources said certain security and technical assurances may be required from Starlink before the company receives the necessary approvals. The focus is on ensuring that satellite communication infrastructure meets security requirements and cannot be easily misused.
The issue assumes significance because satellite-based connectivity can provide internet access in remote areas without depending entirely on conventional terrestrial telecom infrastructure. While this can improve connectivity, authorities are also examining the potential security implications of operating such networks in sensitive locations.
Starlink seeks fresh regulatory approval
Meanwhile, reports indicate that Starlink has reapplied to the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) for authorisation of its Gen 2 satellite constellation. IN-SPACe is the country’s regulatory body for promoting and authorising private-sector participation in space activities.
The proposed Gen 2 constellation is expected to operate in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), at an altitude of around 340 to 615 kilometres.
Starlink has continued to highlight the potential of satellite internet to connect rural and underserved parts of India, particularly areas where conventional telecom infrastructure is difficult or expensive to deploy.
However, the company still has to complete the required regulatory and security approval process before beginning commercial operations in the country.
The Centre’s latest action makes clear that agreements signed at the State level do not by themselves grant Starlink permission to provide services in India. The company will have to obtain the necessary central approvals before any such projects can move from preliminary agreements to actual implementation.
