"Free Basics," formerly known as Internet.org, offers a free, stripped-down version of the Internet to consumers who cannot afford a broadband connection or smartphone data plan.
By offering a limited number of apps, and transmitting as little data as possible, costs are minimized.
Critics say the program violates the central tenets of net neutrality, which stipulate that all Internet content and users should be treated equally.
Zuckerberg pushed back against these critics on Monday, addressing the issue in an op-ed published in the Times of India.
He said the "Free Basics" platform is open to all software developers, has no advertisements and will help less fortunate users escape poverty.
"Instead of wanting to give people access to some basic internet services for free, critics of the program continue to spread false claims -- even if that means leaving behind a billion people," the Facebook CEO wrote.