China willing to play 'constructive role' in easing Indo-Pak ties

Agencies

August 23, 2018

Beijing, Aug 23: China has said that it is willing to play a "constructive role" in improving the relations between India and Pakistan.

Addressing a press briefing here on Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Lu Kang said that Beijing welcomed the "positive" comments recently made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his new Pakistani counterpart, Imran Khan, on improving and bolstering their bilateral relations.

Calling India and Pakistan 'important countries in South Asia', Kang expressed that both New Delhi and Islamabad would enhance their ties by resolving differences between each other in order 'to contribute to regional peace and stability'.

"The improvement and development of their bilateral ties are very important to regional peace, stability and prosperity. As a neighbor to both Pakistan and India, China sincerely hopes that the two sides could enhance dialogue, increase mutual trust, properly handle and resolve differences, and make joint contributions to regional peace and development. China is willing to play a constructive role in this regard," the spokesperson noted.

"Anything that will help the two sides improve relations continuously and contribute to regional peace and stability deserves recognition. As long as there is any possibility, China certainly would like to play a positive and constructive role," he added.

On being asked whether he was suggesting that China is willing to mediate between India and Pakistan, Kang said, "I cannot make a prediction for you at this moment as to when and how China will do something. But it is obvious that playing a constructive role means advancing, consolidating and sustaining positive momentum."

This is not the first time when China has offered to mediate between India and Pakistan. Earlier in April, China had asked Pakistan to engage with India to keep tensions between the two countries to a minimum for timely completion of various projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.

In June, during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Qingdao, where India and Pakistan were designated as full-time members, China's Foreign Minister and State Councilor, Wang Yi had advocated for resolution of differences between both the countries.

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Trump’s endorsement of Musk’s Starlink signals shake-up for India’s telecom giants

News Network

November 7,2024

In his victory speech, President-elect Donald Trump showered praise on Elon Musk, calling him an "amazing guy" and "super genius." The SpaceX CEO’s satellite internet project, Starlink, received special attention for its role in providing critical connectivity after Hurricane Helene. With Starlink’s success making waves, speculation grows: will Musk bring his revolutionary tech to India’s vast, underserved areas?

In India, Musk’s increasing proximity to Trump and the President-elect’s endorsement has sparked curiosity and anticipation. Although regulatory barriers have delayed Starlink’s entry since 2021, recent policy shifts by India’s Communications Ministry could turn the tide. Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia recently announced plans to allocate satellite spectrum administratively, a move welcomed by Musk, who pledged to "serve the people of India" through Starlink.

What Makes Starlink Unique?
Unlike traditional broadband reliant on cables, Starlink uses thousands of low-earth orbit satellites to provide high-speed internet. This innovative approach bypasses the need for miles of overhead or underground wiring, making it ideal for remote and rural areas. Launched in 2019, Starlink now serves over 4 million users globally, and its entry into India could be transformative in bridging the digital divide.

Starlink’s India Journey So Far
Musk’s ambitions for India began in 2021 with pre-order invitations, but the government halted progress, citing licensing requirements. However, with Scindia’s recent announcement, Starlink may soon navigate the regulatory landscape, potentially setting the stage for a significant market entry.

Showdown with India’s Telecom Titans
If Starlink is allowed in, it could mean intense competition for Indian telecom leaders Mukesh Ambani’s Jio and Sunil Bharti Mittal’s Airtel. Both companies argue that satellite spectrum should be auctioned to maintain a level playing field, especially if Starlink expands to urban areas, challenging their established services.

While Starlink advocates for affordable, widespread access, Indian telecom giants claim global players often leverage rural connectivity narratives for favorable conditions, potentially overshadowing local providers in urban markets. As the government’s decisions unfold, a tech-driven tug-of-war could reshape India’s telecom landscape, with Musk’s Starlink poised as a powerful new player.

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