Bharti Enterprises Claims Satellite Lead Over Starlink

Sunil Bharti Mittal, the founder and chairman of Bharti Enterprises, announced that his company is currently ahead of Elon Musk's Starlink in the satellite approval queue in India. Speaking at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum, Mittal highlighted that Bharti has been prepared to launch satellite connectivity services but is still waiting for necessary security clearances before commencing operations in the country.

Mittal's comments come in response to Musk's recent criticisms of India's telecom sector, where he claimed that certain oligarchs were blocking Starlink's entry into the market. Musk accused Indian telecom billionaires of maintaining a monopolistic grip on the industry. In contrast, Mittal stated that Bharti had applied for the required approvals five years ago and has had its ground network ready for three years, with satellites positioned over India for the same duration.

According to reports, Starlink has been waiting for a commercial license since 2022, receiving approval from India's telecom ministry in June 2025. Following this, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) granted Starlink a five-year commercial operations license. Mittal expressed confidence that once all approvals are finalized, Bharti would be able to extend its satellite services across India, particularly in remote areas where traditional networks face challenges.

Mittal also discussed the broader implications of digital infrastructure on India's economy, advocating for lower taxes on digital goods and telecom services to enhance economic growth. He emphasized that digital technology is crucial for strengthening the economy and called for timely regulations on artificial intelligence, warning that the rapid development of AI could lead to unforeseen consequences if not properly managed.

Looking ahead, Mittal urged policymakers to consider regulations that would protect the public without hindering innovation. He also addressed the challenges of reducing dependence on China, noting the significant trade deficit and the reliance on Chinese materials in various industries. Mittal's remarks underscore the complexities of navigating the evolving landscape of technology and international trade as Bharti prepares to launch its satellite services.