Indian telecom operator Bharti Airtel says it has signed a deal with Elon Musk’s Starlink to explore providing the U.S. satellite internet giant’s services to customers in India, depending on government approval.

India's Bharti Airtel said on Tuesday it had signed a deal with Elon Musk's SpaceX for the highly anticipated launch of Starlink satellite internet in the world's most populous country. SpaceX's Starlink has long wanted to launch in India and has in recent months clashed with billionaire Mukesh Ambani's company over how the country should grant spectrum for satellite services.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw welcomes Elon Musk's Starlink to India, highlighting its utility for railway projects. SpaceX signs deals with Jio and Airtel for broadband expansion.