India Satellite Economy Projected to Reach $45 Billion by 2030

The Indian satellite sector is undergoing a rapid expansion, with Anil Kumar Lahoti, Chairman of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, projecting the space economy will grow from approximately USD 8.4 billion to over USD 45 billion by 2030. Speaking at the IAFI Space Policy Conference 2026, Lahoti noted a historic transformation in private participation, which grew from a single startup in 2014 to more than 400 by 2026. He emphasized that satellite networks are essential for bridging the digital divide, supporting maritime and aviation sectors, and providing resilient infrastructure during natural disasters.

Complementing this outlook, Isabelle Mauro, Director General of the Global Satellite Operators Association, identified India as one of the fastest-growing markets in the global satellite economy over the next five years. Mauro pointed to India's rural geography as a primary driver for satellite connectivity where terrestrial infrastructure is not viable. She noted that over 70 GSOA member companies, including Starlink, Amazon Kuiper, and Eutelsat OneWeb, are pursuing opportunities in the country.

To sustain this growth, Mauro urged the Indian government to ensure structural predictability in licensing and to avoid applying terrestrial telecom rules to the satellite sector. She recommended adopting cost-recovery-based economic models for spectrum instead of using it as a revenue stream. The growth of the sector is further supported by domestic players such as Skyroot Aerospace and Reliance Jio, which are increasing India's competitiveness in the global launch and satellite markets.