Lauren Dreyer, Vice President of Business Operations at Starlink, described the reports as misleading and inaccurate in a post on social media platform X. She rejected claims that India had blocked or suspended approval for the company's commercial operations.
Starlink had applied for a license to launch satellite communication services in India. While the government has already issued a Letter of Intent, the company has not yet received its final operating license.
Dreyer's remarks came in response to a Bloomberg report published earlier this week. The report claimed that Indian authorities had concerns regarding the use of Starlink devices in Iran and that these concerns had contributed to the delay in granting commercial approval for the service in India.
According to the Bloomberg report, sources in the Ministry of Home Affairs indicated that Starlink equipment was used in Iran despite the absence of licensing approval there, amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
The report further stated that Indian authorities sought assurances that the United States-based company would comply with Indian laws during periods of conflict or heightened tensions. These concerns reportedly emerged as India adopted a cautious approach toward the satellite communications sector following developments linked to the Iran conflict.
Dreyer, however, downplayed the significance of such concerns and emphasized the value Starlink could bring to India's digital infrastructure. She said the Government of India had appreciated the role Starlink could play in delivering high-speed internet connectivity across the country, particularly in rural and underserved regions.
She further stated that Starlink is fully prepared to launch its services in India and is working closely with government authorities to ensure that satellite internet services become operational in the country as soon as possible.
The development highlights the growing importance of satellite-based internet services in India and underscores the ongoing discussions between Starlink and government authorities as the company moves closer to entering one of the world's largest digital connectivity markets.
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