Elon Musk replies to Scindia on Starlink, says ‘looking forward to serving India’

Elon Musk has indicated renewed interest in expanding Starlink’s footprint in India after responding to a social media post by Union Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia, saying he was “looking forward to serving India with Starlink”.

Musk’s brief but significant reply came after Scindia shared details of his meeting with senior executives from Starlink, including the Vice President of Business Operations at SpaceX. The discussions focused on advancing satellite-based broadband to improve last-mile internet access across the country, especially in remote and underserved regions.

In his post on X, Scindia underlined the importance of satellite technology in overcoming geographical barriers that limit conventional telecom infrastructure. He said the Centre was aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of building a “digitally empowered India” and emphasised that satellite internet could play a critical role in ensuring reliable connectivity for citizens living in rural and hard-to-reach areas.

“The goal is to extend meaningful digital access to every citizen, including those in the most difficult terrains,” Scindia said, adding that improved connectivity would accelerate development, governance delivery and economic inclusion.

Starlink, the satellite broadband venture operated by SpaceX, uses a constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites to provide high-speed internet services. Its entry into India is expected to significantly enhance connectivity in regions where fibre and mobile networks remain patchy or unreliable. According to ANI, Starlink’s expansion could help bridge longstanding digital divides through affordable, high-speed satellite internet.

Separately, Starlink has already taken steps to deepen its presence at the state level. The company recently signed a letter of intent with the Maharashtra government to explore satellite-based internet services in remote and underserved parts of the state, subject to necessary approvals from the Centre.

As per officials, the proposed rollout in Maharashtra aims to support government institutions, public infrastructure networks and rural communities. Priority districts include Gadchiroli, Nandurbar, Dharashiv and Washim—areas known for difficult terrain and limited telecom coverage.

ADVERTISEMENT

The initiative is also expected to enhance connectivity for disaster control rooms, forest outposts and coastal policing units, potentially strengthening emergency response and public safety operations.

With government backing and growing engagement at both central and state levels, Starlink’s long-anticipated India entry appears to be gaining momentum.