The Indian government is reportedly expediting the licensing process for Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service ahead of his anticipated visit to India. With Musk’s visit on the horizon, speculation abounds regarding significant announcements related to both Tesla and Starlink during his brief 48-hour stay.
A recent report by Moneycontrol indicates that the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is fast-tracking the issuance of a license for Starlink, potentially including a letter of intent (LoI) and trial spectrum allocation. Citing government sources, the report highlights advanced due diligence efforts, with inter-ministerial discussions underway, particularly concerning security considerations.
Musk’s itinerary for his India visit is expected to include meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other key officials such as Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. Reports suggest that invitations from the Prime Minister’s Office to industry stakeholders for Musk’s visit may be forthcoming next week.
This visit follows the previous meeting between Musk and Modi during the Indian Prime Minister’s trip to the US in June last year. Since then, Musk has been advocating for reduced import duties on electric vehicles (EVs) to facilitate Tesla’s entry into the Indian market.
The Indian government recently responded to these appeals by unveiling a new EV policy, significantly slashing import taxes on select models from 100% to 15%, provided the manufacturer commits to substantial investment and local manufacturing. This move aligns with Musk’s ambitions, as reports indicate Tesla’s interest not only in domestic manufacturing but also in exporting vehicles globally.
Further fueling speculation, recent reports suggest discussions between Tesla and Reliance Industries, led by Mukesh Ambani, regarding a potential joint venture for establishing a manufacturing facility in India. These developments underscore Musk’s strategic interest in expanding Tesla’s presence in the burgeoning Indian market, potentially signaling significant investments and collaborations on the horizon.