SpaceX executive Lauren Dreyer says Starlink has built India-focused ground infrastructure and tailored its operations to meet India’s security and data requirements, but the company still awaits final government steps before it can begin commercial services. Multiple outlets report that Starlink is seeking remaining approvals, including spectrum allocation and required security clearance, while continuing discussions with regulators.
Dreyer tells reporters at the India Mobile Congress 2026 that Starlink has established about 20 gateway sites with hundreds of antennas in India and built controls intended to keep Indian user data within India. She also says the company has made investments and prepared for operations over several years, including by engaging local industry stakeholders. Some reporting notes that Starlink has obtained certain licensing clearances through India’s satellite and telecom processes, but commercial rollout is still held up by further regulatory requirements.
The coverage also highlights that Starlink has worked to align with India’s regulatory framework, with the company describing these efforts as necessary for sovereignty and security. Outlets vary in emphasis—some focus on the approval bottleneck, others on the infrastructure and data-localisation steps—while broadly agreeing on the same status: infrastructure and partial clearances are in place, with remaining approvals awaited.
