Elon Musk's SpaceX will soon offer Starlink satellite internet services in India following deals with the country's largest telecom operators, Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio. These agreements aim to bring high-speed internet to remote areas through Starlink's low Earth orbit satellite network - based on NDTV reporting.

According to telecom expert Sandeep Budki, Starlink will provide critical "last mile connectivity" in areas where traditional internet infrastructure is absent or delivers poor performance. "There are several remote areas where internet services have not reached yet. But, even if it's there, it's very slow," Budki told NDTV.

The service works by using satellites rather than conventional terrestrial infrastructure. "Forget about wires and towers, we will now use satellite. The most important thing about satellite connectivity is that wherever there is an open area, there will be satellite coverage," Budki explained.

Both partnerships remain conditional on Starlink obtaining government approval to operate in India. The company has been waiting since 2022 for licenses, with delays attributed partly to national security concerns. The agreements follow Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with Elon Musk in Washington last month.

The distribution strategy gives Starlink clear advantages in the Indian market. Jio will stock Starlink equipment in its thousands of retail stores across India, while Airtel, the country's second-largest telecom player, announced a similar partnership.

Budki believes initial adoption will focus on business applications before moving to consumer markets. "It will be used in education and health sectors first because from the consumer's perspective, the prices can be on the higher side." He notes that pricing will depend on potential subsidies, with possible free trials from both telecom partners.

The partnerships may also benefit domestic air travelers. After launch, internet services could become available on Indian flights, similar to services already offered by airlines in other countries. Starlink currently provides coverage to more than 125 markets worldwide.

The move comes as India carefully balances technological advancement with strategic autonomy in international relations. While engaging with Western companies like SpaceX, India has also pursued financial alternatives within BRICS, allowing rupee-based international trade since 2022 to reduce vulnerability to potential economic disruptions.