Reports of Starlink terminals being used in Iran without a licence prompt closer scrutiny by Indian authorities.
Image: Speedcast
India has reportedly paused approvals for Starlink’s commercial launch due to security concerns, according to a Bloomberg report.
Officials from India’s Ministry of Home Affairs have withheld the final security clearances needed for the satellite internet service, operated by SpaceX, to begin operations in the country.
The concerns emerged after reports suggested that Starlink terminals were used during the recent Middle East conflict despite the service not being licensed in Iran. The incident has raised questions about how governments can regulate satellite internet services during geopolitical crises.
Indian authorities are seeking assurances that Starlink can comply with the country’s security requirements, particularly in situations where foreign governments may issue conflicting directives.
The delay has also slowed the approval process for satellite-spectrum pricing, a key step required before commercial satellite internet services can be launched in India.
In 2025, telecom giants Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio signed agreements with SpaceX to bring Starlink services to India. However, the latest security review has put those plans on hold.
Neither the Indian government nor SpaceX has publicly commented on the report.
Starlink, owned by SpaceX founder Elon Musk, currently operates in more than 150 countries and territories, providing internet access through a network of low-Earth-orbit satellites, particularly in remote and underserved regions.
