NewSpace & Satcom
India’s space sector is undergoing a period of unprecedented transformation, driven by NewSpace startups, private investment, FDI liberalisation, and the creation of IN-SPACe as a dedicated regulator. With increasing emphasis on indigenisation, space-tech innovation, and commercialisation of satellite capacity, the Indian market presents both significant opportunities and complex regulatory challenges. We are among the few Indian law firms with specialised expertise in space law, telecom regulation, and geospatial data governance, enabling us to support clients in navigating this evolving ecosystem. From leading international satellite capacity providers to emerging NewSpace ventures, we provide end-to-end legal solutions covering licensing, compliance, investments, and policy engagement in one of the world’s most dynamic sectors.
Our work draws on our Regulatory & Compliance, Global Market Entry & Strategic Structuring, Commercial Transactions, and M&A, Private Equity and Venture Capital practices. We advise clients on the full range of regulatory requirements, including compliance with India’s telecom framework, IFMC guidelines, security and monitoring obligations, and allocation of space-based spectrum. Our lawyers guide on authorisation requirements for NGSO and GSO satellites, securing IN-SPACe approvals for orbital coverage over India, and ensuring VSAT hub and node compliance, including lawful interception obligations. We regularly assist with IFMC Rules compliance, structuring back-to-back arrangements for in-flight connectivity services, and developing commercial models for satellite capacity resale through Antrix. Our experience also includes drafting client representations on India’s Space Policy and Geospatial Guidelines, as well as advising on policy advocacy and regulatory engagement before IN-SPACe, TRAI, DoT, WPC, and related authorities.
Our compliance advisory integrates seamlessly into client business models, covering geospatial data storage and processing guidelines, MTCTE obligations for terrestrial and satellite equipment, and import/export controls for satellite hardware. We have supported clients with shareholding disclosures, security clearances for foreign directors of space entities, and responses to monitoring requests from the DoT and law enforcement agencies. On the transactional side, we draft and negotiating corporate and commercial contracts across aerospace, satellites, defense, and emerging technologies. Recent mandates include supporting logistics and supply chain platforms using satellite-based data for real-time tracking, advising on network and infrastructure planning with geospatial tools, drafting commercial contracts for satellite deployment software, and facilitating agreements for small satellite development, procurement, and import.
We have also advised on transactions involving government-owned entities under the Department of Space, corporate restructurings, term sheets, shareholder agreements, and high-compliance sector deals. Our team has extensive experience engaging with regulators such as the DoT, DPIIT, and Department of Space, and we have supported international satellite operators in securing FDI approvals and IN-SPACe authorisations.