Mumbai: In a major technological milestone, Maharashtra has become the first state in India to collaborate with Elon Musk’s Starlink Satellite Communications Pvt. Ltd. for the deployment of satellite-based internet services, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Wednesday.
Taking to social media platform ‘X’ (formerly Twitter), Fadnavis wrote:
BIG NEWS!
— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) November 5, 2025
Maharashtra Becomes India's First State to Partner with Starlink!
It was wonderful to welcome Ms. Lauren Dreyer, Vice President, Starlink in Mumbai today, where the Government of Maharashtra signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Starlink Satellite Communications Private… pic.twitter.com/8777O45ivq
“It was wonderful to welcome Lauren Dreyer, Vice President of Starlink, in Mumbai today, where the Government of Maharashtra signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Starlink Satellite Communications Pvt. Ltd., marking Maharashtra as the first Indian state to formally collaborate with Starlink to deploy satellite-based internet services.”
Starlink to Power Internet Access in Maharashtra’s Remote Districts
The initiative will provide high-speed satellite internet to government institutions, rural communities, and public infrastructure in underserved and remote regions of Maharashtra — including Gadchiroli, Nandurbar, Dharashiv, and Washim.
Chief Minister Fadnavis said the project aims to bridge the digital divide by enabling connectivity in aspirational districts and rural belts where traditional network infrastructure remains limited.
“Elon Musk’s Starlink is one of the largest ICT companies in the world, with the biggest constellation of communication satellites. It is our honour that Starlink is arriving in India and partnering with Maharashtra,” Fadnavis added.
Boost to Digital Maharashtra and National Connectivity Vision
The Maharashtra–Starlink collaboration supports the state’s Digital Maharashtra Mission, aligning closely with its other flagship programs including Electric Vehicle (EV) policy, Coastal Development projects, and Disaster Resilience initiatives.
According to Fadnavis, this partnership will make Maharashtra a pioneer in satellite-enabled digital infrastructure, strengthening Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Digital India vision at the grassroots level.
“With this landmark decision, Maharashtra will lead India in satellite-enabled digital infrastructure. This is a giant leap toward a future-ready Maharashtra and sets a benchmark for Hon. PM Narendra Modi Ji’s Digital India Mission,” Fadnavis said in his post.
Regulatory Path and Infrastructure Plans
The rollout will be subject to regulatory and compliance clearances from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
As part of its broader India strategy, Starlink also plans to establish nine gateway stations across the country, including in Mumbai, Noida, and Lucknow, to support network operations and service coverage.
Once operational, these satellite gateways will serve as key hubs to provide seamless, high-speed internet to even the most geographically isolated areas.
About Starlink
Founded by Elon Musk, Starlink is a satellite-based broadband service operated by SpaceX. It offers low-latency, high-speed internet through a network of thousands of satellites in low-Earth orbit (LEO).
Globally, Starlink has been instrumental in providing connectivity to remote and rural regions, emergency response teams, and maritime operations.
Key Highlights
- 📍 State: Maharashtra — India’s first to sign an MoU with Starlink
- 🛰️ Purpose: Satellite-based internet for rural, remote, and government sectors
- 🌐 Key Areas: Gadchiroli, Nandurbar, Dharashiv, Washim
- 📡 Planned Gateway Stations: Mumbai, Noida, Lucknow, and six others
- 🚀 Alignment: Digital Maharashtra Mission & Digital India Vision
- 🏛️ Next Step: DoT regulatory clearance for deployment