India has effectively put Starlink approvals on hold, according to multiple reports citing people familiar with the matter. The decision comes as Indian security agencies raise concerns about how Starlink satellite terminals could be used during the ongoing conflict involving Iran. The concern centers on difficulty controlling a service operated by a US-based company during heightened geopolitical tensions.
Bloomberg and Mint report that India’s relevant authorities have withheld or delayed final clearances needed for Starlink to begin or expand commercial operations in the country. The reports link the pause to fears that satellite terminals may be deployed in or around the Iran war. They also describe scrutiny of SpaceX’s actions related to enabling Starlink access in Iran, despite the company reportedly lacking the necessary licence to operate there.
While the specific timing and duration of the approval freeze are not stated in the excerpts, the measures are described as effectively halting progress on approvals. The Next Web adds that the withholding of clearances occurs despite awkward timing around SpaceX events, but the reported rationale remains focused on national security and operational oversight.
