Elon Musk’s company, Starlink, is on the brink of launching its satellite internet service in India. However, the escalating tension between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Musk might cast shadows over this initiative. Starlink is about to receive its third license in India, but will this controversy change everything?
The Arrival of Starlink in India
On June 5, 2025, in Gwalior, Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced that the Indian government is set to grant Starlink the third satellite internet license soon. Following this, spectrum allocation will be facilitated, expediting the launch of satellite internet nationwide.
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Source: aajtak
What is Starlink?: It's SpaceX's satellite internet service delivering high-speed internet through over 7,000 low Earth orbit satellites.
Benefits: This service will bridge internet access in India’s remote villages where installing fiber cables or mobile towers is challenging.
Competitors: Bharti OneWeb and Reliance Jio already provide satellite internet in India.
Jyotiraditya Scindia described Starlink as a "new bouquet of telecom flowers," elevating India's connectivity to new heights.
The Trump-Musk Clash: What's at Stake?
Elon Musk and Donald Trump were once friends but are now embroiled in open conflict, affecting Musk’s business operations.
June 6, 2025:
Trump threatened to revoke federal contracts with Musk’s companies, causing Tesla shares to plunge by 14% and a $150 billion loss.
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Threat to SpaceX:
SpaceX, Starlink's parent company, fears losing U.S. government support.
Musk’s Response:
Musk hinted at shutting down SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft, but later retracted the statement.
U.S. expert Sanjeev Srivastava indicated to India Today that it’s a tale of "friend turned foe." Trump’s aggressive tariff strategy is harming Musk's business, particularly in China, potentially impacting Starlink’s projects in India as well.
Source: aajtak
Why is Starlink Essential for India?
India boasts a population of 1.4 billion, yet only 950 million utilize the internet. Starlink could provide connectivity where traditional networks are absent.
Advantages: Internet in villages: Benefits for schools, hospitals, and small businesses.
Disaster Management: Aiding communication during floods or storms. According to IDMC 2025, 32 million people in India were affected by natural disasters between 2015-2024.
Low Latency: 25-50 milliseconds, ideal for gaming and video calling.
Plans: Initially serve 30,000-50,000 users with 600-700 Gbps bandwidth, reaching 3 Tbps by 2027.
Through partnerships with Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, Starlink plans to sell its equipment.
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Impact of the Dispute on Starlink
The Indian government has issued a Letter of Intent to Starlink, yet IN-SPACe and spectrum allocation approval are pending. The Trump-Musk feud could obstruct this path.
Source: aajtak
Risks
U.S. Support:
If Trump pulls contracts from SpaceX, it could impact Starlink’s funding and technology.
Indian Oversight:
The Indian government is closely monitoring the Trump-Musk rift.
Security Concerns:
India remains cautious about Starlink's data privacy and military use.
Expert Opinion:
According to Sanjeev Srivastava, this dispute could pose hurdles for Starlink’s plans in India.
Concerns were expressed on X that Trump's anti-India stance and the clash with Musk could affect Starlink.
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India’s Strategy
India is giving Starlink a chance but is treading carefully.
Security Conditions: Starlink had to comply with 29 stringent conditions, such as data localization, real-time tracking, and 20% local infrastructure.
Competition: Jio and Airtel are already providing satellite internet.
Pricing: Starlink's plans may range from ₹850 to ₹4,500/month, which is competitive for India.
Communications Minister Scindia stated that Starlink is not an alternative to traditional networks but a complement. Starlink could be a revolutionary step for India, bringing the internet to villages and remote areas. However, the Trump-Musk dispute might slow its pace. Trump's tariff policies and the pressure on Musk's business could affect India's plans. The Indian government remains vigilant and is giving Starlink a chance while ensuring security.
