Elon Musk has accused unnamed “oligarchs” of blocking the launch of his Starlink satellite internet service in India. The government has rejected the claim.
Quick Facts
| Musk’s claim | Starlink is blocked so some can “maintain their monopolistic chokehold on the Indian people” |
| Government reply | “Baseless and misconceived” |
| Providers at the same stage | Three, all undergoing security assessments |
| Starlink waiting since | 2022 |
What Musk Said
In a post on X on Wednesday, 7 October, Musk called the delay a “crime against the people of India”. He later repeated the charge in a post addressed to “Dear Prime Minister Ambani”, a sarcastic reference to Reliance chairman Mukesh Ambani.
The Government’s Position
The Ministry of Communications said on Thursday that its approval process is fair and non-discriminatory. It did not name Musk or Starlink.
It said three entities are at broadly the same regulatory stage, and all are undergoing security assessments.
The Rivals
India’s telecom market is dominated by Reliance Jio, owned by Mukesh Ambani, and Bharti Airtel, owned by Sunil Mittal. Both have entered satellite internet and hold early approvals, but are still waiting for final clearances.
Last year the two companies agreed to distribute Starlink equipment. That cooperation appears to have soured.
Security Concerns
Starlink received a key licence and space agency approval last year. Concerns have grown since 2024, when authorities said Starlink devices were found in a drug seizure in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and in an army operation in Manipur.
The Politics
The row has entered domestic politics. The BJP has criticised opposition leader Rahul Gandhi over his response to Musk, the Indian Express reported.
Sources: Al Jazeera, The Hindu, Scroll, Indian Express (8–10 October 2026).
Featured image: Starlink satellite dishes on a ship in January 2025 (file photo, not in India). Photo by Ka23 13, licensed under CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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