Maharashtra Becomes First State In India To Sign Deal With Elon Musk's Starlink

News18

The Maharashtra government on Wednesday announced a landmark partnership with Elon Musk’s satellite communications company, Starlink, making it the first Indian state to formally tie up with the US-based firm.

The collaboration was formalised with the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) between the state government and Starlink Satellite Communications Pvt Ltd.

Under the agreement, Starlink will provide satellite-based internet services to government institutions, rural communities, and critical public infrastructure across remote and underserved areas of Maharashtra. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis specifically mentioned districts such as Gadchiroli, Nandurbar, Washim, and Dharashiv as priority regions for deployment.

Starlink, which operates one of the largest networks of communication satellites in the world, is expected to significantly enhance internet connectivity in regions where conventional broadband services are limited or unavailable.

The Maharashtra Chief Minister hailed the partnership, stating on X, “It is our honour that the company is arriving in India and partnering with Maharashtra.”

The collaboration aligns with Maharashtra’s Digital Maharashtra mission, integrating with other state initiatives including electric vehicle programmes, coastal development, and disaster resilience projects. Officials said the move will help accelerate digital inclusion, improve access to online services, and strengthen the state’s technological infrastructure.

Fadnavis emphasised that this partnership positions Maharashtra as a leader in satellite-enabled digital infrastructure in India. “This is a giant leap towards future-ready Maharashtra and sets the benchmark for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Digital India mission at the grassroots,” he added.

(With inputs from PTI)