Indian telecom operator Bharti Airtel said Tuesday 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.

The CPI(M) has opposed Jio and Airtel collaboration with Elon Musk's Starlink, citing concerns over spectrum allocation and national security. Warning against monopolisation and strategic risks, the party urged the government to block the deal.

Elon Musk's Starlink has signed a deal with India's No. 2 telecoms company Airtel to bring Starlink's internet services to the world's most populous country, intensifying rivalry with fellow billionaire Mukesh Ambani's telecom firm Reliance Jio.