Elon Musk’s Starlink has commenced security tests in India, marking a key step toward its anticipated commercial satellite internet launch in 2026. The initiative involves setting up nine gateway earth stations in major Indian cities such as Mumbai, Noida, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, aimed at delivering high-speed connectivity even to remote and underserved rural areas. These security tests comply with India’s stringent regulatory framework requiring foreign operators to adhere to strict data sovereignty and operational rules, including Indian-only station operation until security clearances are granted. The Department of Telecommunications has provisionally assigned 600 Gbps spectrum capacity for these trials, and Starlink has been allowed to import 100 user terminals for fixed satellite services. With India’s digital market expected to reach $50 billion by 2025, Starlink’s use of AI-driven network optimization positions it strongly against competitors like OneWeb backed by Bharti Airtel. This expansion supports digital inclusion, with potential enhancements in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and rural education, aligning with India’s broader ambitions of bridging the digital divide and fostering economic growth through advanced technology. The rollout also embodies India’s emphasis on secure, ethical tech deployment under updated space and data protection policies.