India has rejected Elon Musk’s claim that powerful business interests are blocking Starlink from launching satellite internet services in the country, insisting that its regulatory framework is fair and applies equally to all operators.
Musk had accused unnamed “oligarchs” on Wednesday of preventing Starlink’s entry to protect their “monopolistic chokehold” on Indian consumers. He did not identify the individuals or companies involved or provide evidence for the allegation.
Meanwhile, India’s Ministry of Communications said three licensed satellite communications operators were at broadly the same stage of the approval process and were all undergoing security assessments. Companies must complete those assessments before they can seek assignment of spectrum, the radio frequencies needed to provide satellite services.
The ministry described suggestions that the regulatory framework or its application was discriminatory as “baseless and misconceived.”
Starlink has spent more than five years trying to enter India, one of the world’s largest internet markets. SpaceX secured a key satellite communications licence in 2025 and later received space-sector authorisation, but commercial services have yet to begin because additional regulatory requirements remain outstanding.
The other two licensed operators are backed by major Indian telecom interests: Reliance Jio, controlled by billionaire Mukesh Ambani, and Eutelsat OneWeb, which is backed by Bharti Enterprises led by Sunil Mittal. Both are also waiting for final clearances and spectrum allocation. Musk has previously clashed with Ambani and Mittal over how satellite spectrum should be allocated in India.
The dispute comes as SpaceX says it has already invested heavily in preparing for an Indian launch. Lauren Dreyer, Starlink’s vice president of business operations, said at the India Mobile Congress that the company had built more than 20 gateway sites with hundreds of antennas and established security controls designed specifically for Indian requirements.
Starlink has also partnered with both Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel to distribute its equipment in India.
India’s satellite broadband market represents a significant opportunity for Starlink. Deloitte has projected that the country’s satellite broadband market could reach $1.9 billion by 2030. The launch also carries wider geopolitical significance as Washington has promoted Starlink’s market access in trade discussions with India.
The timing of Starlink’s commercial launch remains uncertain, leaving SpaceX facing continued regulatory delays despite its growing infrastructure and partnerships in the country.
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Emmanuel Abara Benson is a business journalist and editor covering artificial intelligence, global markets, and emerging technology.
He has previously worked with Business Insider Africa and Nairametrics, reporting on finance, startups, and innovation.
His work focuses on AI, digital economy, and global tech trends.
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