Maharashtra becomes first Indian state to partner with Elon Musk’s Starlink

• Maharashtra signs Letter of Intent with Elon Musk’s Starlink for satellite-based internet
• State to become first in India to formally collaborate with Starlink
• Services to cover remote districts including Gadchiroli, Nandurbar, Washim and Dharashiv
• Partnership aligns with Maharashtra’s Digital Mission and India’s Digital India goals

Maharashtra has become the first Indian state to formally collaborate with billionaire Elon Musk’s Starlink, after signing a Letter of Intent (LOI) to deploy satellite-based internet services across remote and underserved areas.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the partnership on Wednesday, saying it would help bring high-speed satellite internet to rural schools, health centres, and government institutions.

“History created! Starlink is all set to come to Maharashtra for high-speed satellite internet to every remote village, tribal school, and health centre in Maharashtra,” Fadnavis said in a post on X.

Digital push for rural connectivity

Under the collaboration, Starlink Satellite Communications Pvt Ltd will work with the Maharashtra government to extend internet access to aspirational districts such as Gadchiroli, Nandurbar, Washim, and Dharashiv.

Fadnavis said the initiative will bridge the state’s digital divide and strengthen its “Digital Maharashtra” mission, while also supporting programmes focused on electric vehicles, coastal development, and disaster resilience.

Maharashtra is set to become the first Indian state to partner with Starlink. A Landmark step towards future-ready Maharashtra!

This is subject to Starlink’s regulatory and compliance clearances from Dept. Of Telecom, Govt. Of India@narendramodi @LaurenDreyer @Starlink @SpaceX… pic.twitter.com/cobO5B7i9o

— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) November 5, 2025

“This is a giant leap towards a future-ready Maharashtra and sets the benchmark for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Digital India mission at the grassroots,” Fadnavis said.

Starlink’s entry into India

Starlink, part of Musk’s SpaceX network, operates the world’s largest constellation of communication satellites providing high-speed, low-latency internet access to remote areas. India granted the company an operating licence in June.

In March, telecom firms Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel announced agreements with SpaceX to offer Starlink services to customers in India. Maharashtra’s partnership marks the first direct collaboration between an Indian state and Starlink.

Lauren Dreyer, Starlink’s Vice President of Business Operations, who attended the signing in Mumbai, said the company was “excited” to contribute to India’s digital goals.

“Looking forward to connecting schools, medical facilities and beyond in the most remote and unconnected areas once Starlink receives final approvals,” Dreyer said.

Part of wider tech expansion in India

The Starlink partnership comes amid a series of major technology investments in India. In October, Google announced a $15 billion plan to build a large data centre and AI hub in the country, its biggest investment outside the United States.

US firms Anthropic and OpenAI are also preparing to open offices in India, while Perplexity AI announced a partnership with Bharti Airtel earlier this year.

Fadnavis said the Starlink collaboration reaffirms Maharashtra’s position as a digital leader.

“It is our honour that the company is arriving in India and partnering with Maharashtra,” he said. “With this landmark decision, Maharashtra will lead India in satellite-enabled digital infrastructure.”