Washington, D.C. (February 13, 2025) – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to meet with Elon Musk during his visit to the United States this week, with discussions likely to focus on Starlink’s entry into the South Asian market. The meeting, which is part of Modi’s two-day trip to the U.S., is expected to address long-delayed plans for launching satellite broadband services in India, according to sources familiar with the plans.
Key Meetings and Agendas
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the U.S. includes a meeting with President Donald Trump, where trade and tariff concessions are expected to be high on the agenda. The meeting with Musk is anticipated to be a one-on-one discussion, with India’s government hopeful that it will include assurances on security concerns, such as storing data locally.
Starlink’s Challenges and Opportunities
Starlink, a satellite internet service under Musk’s SpaceX venture, has faced regulatory hurdles in India. The company has clashed with Mukesh Ambani’s telecom firm over the method of spectrum allocation for satellite services. While India’s government supports Musk’s stance that spectrum should be assigned rather than auctioned, Starlink’s license application remains under review.
Ambani’s company, which has invested $19 billion in airwave auctions, has expressed concerns about losing broadband customers to Starlink. The telecom giant has lobbied for a level playing field, arguing that spectrum should be auctioned to ensure fairness.
Potential Outcomes
The meeting between Modi and Musk could pave the way for resolving regulatory issues and advancing Starlink’s plans to launch in India. Musk is reportedly willing to address India’s security concerns, which include data localization requirements.
Neither Starlink nor Modi’s office has responded to requests for comment on the upcoming meeting.
As the discussions unfold, the potential entry of Starlink into the Indian market could significantly impact the country’s telecom landscape, offering new opportunities for satellite broadband services and technological advancements.