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SpaceX CEO Elon Musk (Img: Pinterest)
New Delhi: The Centre has rejected Elon Musk’s allegation that “certain oligarchs” are preventing Starlink from starting satellite internet services in India, asserting that the country’s regulatory framework is fair and non-discriminatory.
The Ministry of Communications issued the clarification after the SpaceX CEO claimed on social media that Starlink was being blocked to protect a “monopolistic chokehold” over the Indian market. Musk did not name the individuals or companies he was referring to.
The ministry said India has established a uniform authorisation framework for telecommunications, including satellite communication services. Licences have already been issued to three satellite communication operators, including Starlink, and all are required to comply with security-related conditions.
According to the government, security assessments for the three licensed operators are currently underway. Once the required process is completed, an operator can move to the next stage of seeking spectrum assignment.
The Centre said all three companies are broadly at the same regulatory stage, rejecting suggestions that Starlink is being treated differently. It described claims that India’s framework is unfair or discriminatory as “baseless and misconceived”.
Starlink has already invested heavily in infrastructure for its planned Indian operations. Speaking at India Mobile Congress 2026, Starlink Business Operations Vice President Lauren Dreyer said the company had built 20 gateway sites and developed security controls specifically for the Indian market.
She said Starlink had kept Indian user data within India and was ready to begin operations once the remaining regulatory requirements were completed.
Although Starlink secured its licence more than a year ago, commercial services have yet to begin because the company still needs to complete the remaining security and spectrum-related approvals.
The latest government response comes amid growing attention on India’s satellite internet market, where Starlink is competing alongside established telecom players and other satellite communication providers.
Musk’s remarks have added a fresh dimension to the regulatory debate, but the government maintains that all licensed operators are being assessed under the same rules.
