
Mehul Bhandari
Executive Leader | Global Strategy, Technology & Policy
A dynamic leader with nearly two decades of global experience at the nexus of satellite, telecommunications, and emerging technologies. Driving innovation and transformation across Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and beyond—with a special focus on connecting opportunities with India’s dynamic market—while shaping impactful policy and fostering cross-sector collaboration.
My Journey: Bridging Technology, Policy, and Global Business
My career has been a journey of continuous learning and strategic impact, rooted in an engineering foundation (B.E. Electronics & Communication, RGTU, India) and enriched by advanced studies in Mobile & Personal Communications (MSc, King's College London), executive business education (MBA, The Lisbon MBA with MIT Sloan in Boston, USA), and specialized insights into the New Space Economy (MIT Professional Education).This path has led me through pivotal roles at esteemed global organizations such as Viasat, GSMA, and Etisalat. In these capacities, I've had the privilege to collaborate on and lead initiatives shaping regulatory landscapes, spearhead market access for cutting-edge technologies—including satellite, telecom, drone, and aviation solutions—and contribute to significant policy reforms.While my primary contributions have centered on India and South Asia, my experience is deeply international, encompassing business development, collaboration, and negotiation with leading companies and brands from Taiwan, South Korea, Italy, Japan, China, Israel, the UK, and the USA. My work spans a diverse range of sectors—from consumer goods and automotive to technology, advanced manufacturing, and skill education—and includes launching innovative products and driving business development initiatives that deliver tangible value.A notable highlight includes spearheading the first-ever launch of OLED lighting (not display technology) in India as early as 2014, pioneering the introduction of this advanced technology to the Indian market. Across the APAC region, I have led initiatives in next-generation lighting (OLED and LED), IT, and technology sectors, and have been at the forefront of AI-driven projects, drone, and aviation partnerships. In the Middle East and Europe, I have engaged in advanced manufacturing, including 3D printing, and tech-driven business collaborations.My focus has consistently been on understanding diverse market dynamics, aligning technological advancements—from satellite and telecom to AI and advanced manufacturing—with regional opportunities, and building robust international relationships that drive innovation and growth. I am driven by a hunger for collaboration, bringing value, and understanding and implementing solutions to get meaningful results.
Core Philosophy
My professional approach is guided by a commitment to:• Visionary & Pragmatic Leadership: Balancing forward-thinking strategy with effective, actionable execution.• Collaborative Partnership: Building robust relationships with diverse stakeholders to achieve shared goals and drive collective success.• Impact-Driven Solutions: Focusing on delivering tangible, measurable results that benefit businesses and contribute positively to society.• Integrity & Transparency: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all professional endeavors.
Vision for the Future
I am passionate about leveraging my comprehensive experience to help organizations navigate complex challenges, embrace innovation, and unlock new avenues for growth. My focus remains on fostering sustainable development, building meaningful global partnerships, and contributing to a more connected, equitable, and technologically advanced future.
Leadership in Technology & Policy Shaping
My leadership is defined by a unique blend of strategic foresight and deep technical, commercial, and regulatory expertise, with a proven track record of steering organizations and policy discussions toward impactful, sustainable outcomes. I have consistently driven innovation and growth at the intersection of satellite, telecom, and emerging technologies.
Key Areas of Impact & Expertise
My experience spans regulatory evolution, market access, and the introduction of advanced technologies—including pioneering product launches, business development across multiple sectors, and robust international collaboration. I am passionate about building bridges between technology, policy, and real-world application to create value for stakeholders and markets alike.
Core Competencies
Strategic Leadership
Executive Decision-Making
Policy Advocacy
Regulatory Affairs
Market Expansion
Business Development
Stakeholder Engagement
Strategic Communications
Public Speaking
Cross-Functional Leadership
Innovation in Emerging Technologies
#Satellite #IoT #5G/6G #D2D #AI Policy #Digital Trust
Strategic Advisory & Entrepreneurial Ventures
My diverse global experience fuels my dedication to providing insightful strategic counsel and spearheading entrepreneurial initiatives. I focus on bridging international innovation with market opportunities, with a particular emphasis on the India growth story and fostering robust Indo-Global business corridors.
ForIndia.Market: Connecting Global & Indian Business
My vision is to create a seamless and intelligent gateway for international businesses aiming to understand, enter, and thrive in the dynamic Indian market, and conversely, for Indian enterprises looking to expand their global footprint. I work to offer bespoke and critical market intelligence, policy insights, and partnership facilitation, reflecting my deep commitment to catalyzing cross-border collaboration and economic growth.
Advisory Focus & International Collaboration
I offer strategic advisory services to organizations, investors, and leadership teams navigating the complexities of:
• India Market Entry, Growth & Expansion Strategy
• Technology, Telecom & Satellite Policy and Regulation (Global & Regional)
• Digital Transformation & Innovation Adoption Frameworks
• Investment Strategy & Business Development in High-Growth Sectors
• Public-Private Partnerships & Engagement with Government Programmes
• New Space Economy: Technologies, Business Models & Policy
My advisory approach is rooted in fostering resilient international collaborations, leveraging an extensive global network and a nuanced understanding of diverse business ecosystems.I am actively open to impactful advisory, consulting, and leadership roles—including independent director positions and strategic partnerships—where I can drive meaningful change, shape execution, and contribute to sustainable growth and technological advancement. I thrive on collaboration, bringing vision and hands-on expertise to help organizations and teams achieve their most ambitious goals.
Sharing Knowledge & Perspectives
I firmly believe in the power of sharing knowledge and diverse perspectives to foster deeper understanding, spark innovation, and drive collective progress. I regularly contribute to critical policy discussions, author industry reports, and am invited to speak at forums on pivotal topics at the confluence of technology, regulation, and international market development.
Thought Leadership Highlights
•Roundtable Discussion:
Organised by Global Satellite Operator’s Association and SIAINDIA —
Space Policy and Spectrum Issues: Investors' Perspective (July 2023)
In this roundtable, Mehul Bhandari emphasized the importance of “returns to the nation” beyond financial equity returns, highlighting how space sector activities drive technological advancement, innovation, job creation, and critical services in agriculture, healthcare, disaster management, and environmental monitoring. This perspective advocates for policies prioritizing long-term socio-economic benefits aligned with national welfare.•Co-Author:
Spectrum Sharing in Cognitive Radio Networks for 5G Vision (IEEE)
This publication explores dynamic spectrum access via cognitive radio (CR) technology as a key enabler for 5G implementation. It discusses spectrum sharing models, challenges, and proposes an energy-efficient spectrum sharing algorithm, addressing spectrum scarcity and wireless networking optimization.•Presentation:
Developments & Opportunities in Backhaul at 7th Asia Pacific Spectrum Management Conference (Huawei): Shared insights on microwave backhaul developments and opportunities, contributing to critical discussions on spectrum management and connectivity enhancement in the Asia-Pacific region.• Author: Sole contributing author from India for the influential GSMA report "India’s 5G Future: Maximising Spectrum Resources" (Published September 2021).• Academic Publication: Co-Authored an IEEE publication focusing on innovative spectrum sharing strategies for cognitive radio networks and emerging telecommunications technologies .• Invited Speaker: Regularly invited to share expertise and ideas.• Policy Contributions: Actively participated in numerous TRAI consultations and contributed to the formulation and shaping of India's landmark Telecom Act 2023 through industry engagement and submissions .
Recent Publications & Participation
- Presentation on Economic benefits of UHT satellite broadband (SIA)
- Developments & Opportunities in backhaul at 7th Asia Pacific Spectrum Management Conference (Huawei)
- Panel Session: Balanced Approach for Spectrum Allocations (SIA)
- Satcom technology to benefit customer (BIF)
- Lead Contributor: India's 5G Future – Maximising Spectrum Resources (GSMA)
- Co Author: Spectrum Sharing in Cognitive Radio Networks for 5G Vision (IEEE)
London Reunion with Prof. Hamid Aghvami
Thrilled to share a highlight from my London trip – a reunion with Professor Hamid Aghvami, my mentor at King’s College London.
Meeting with India’s Telecom Leadership
An honour to be part of the Viasat team engaging with the Chairman DCC & Secretary, DoT, Government of India.
India’s Telecom Reset
India’s connectivity landscape is transforming with bold regulatory reforms aiming for digital growth and inclusion.
Unlocking India’s Broadband Potential
Satellite firms are eyeing a $19B opportunity in India’s underpenetrated broadband market. The future looks promising.
Welcome to India: Innovation & Chai
India’s rise as a global powerhouse is shaped by vision, resilience, and growing international collaboration.
Let's Collaborate & Create Impact
I am always keen to explore opportunities where my expertise in executive leadership, strategic advisory, policy development, and international business can contribute to transformative projects and drive meaningful, sustainable growth. Whether you are seeking visionary leadership for your organization, strategic guidance for a new venture or market expansion, deep insights on technology policy, or a dedicated partner for collaboration on government or international programmes, I welcome the conversation.
You can also reach me directly:
© 2025 Mehul Bhandari. All Rights Reserved.