Musk accuses ‘certain oligarchs’ of blocking Starlink’s India launch

# Starlink Prepares for India Launch as Elon Musk Alleges Powerful Interests Are Blocking Rollout

SpaceX’s satellite internet service Starlink says it is prepared to begin commercial operations in India, but its launch remains dependent on regulatory clearances. CEO Elon Musk has accused powerful business interests of obstructing the rollout, while the Indian government has rejected claims that the country’s satellite communications framework unfairly targets the company.

Starlink has reportedly established 20 gateway sites across India, equipped with hundreds of antennas, according to company executive Lauren Dreyer. The company says it has also introduced India-specific security measures designed to ensure that user data remains within the country and is prepared to meet the government’s regulatory requirements.

“We’re standing ready to serve India. Once India is ready,” Dreyer said on Wednesday at the India Mobile Congress 2026. She added that Starlink was willing to work with the government, telecom operators and industry stakeholders to bring its services to the country.

Despite this preparation, the commercial launch has yet to receive all necessary approvals. Musk took to X to blame what he called “certain oligarchs” for preventing Starlink from entering the Indian market, describing the alleged obstruction as a “crime against the people of India.” He did not identify the individuals or companies involved or provide evidence supporting the accusation.

## Starlink Faces Competition in India's Satellite Internet Market

Starlink's planned entry comes as India's satellite communications sector attracts major domestic and international players. The market includes Eutelsat OneWeb, backed by Sunil Mittal's Bharti Group, and Reliance Jio Space Technology, associated with Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries.

Starlink reapplied to India's space regulator in August for approval to deploy its second-generation satellite constellation, which includes technology designed to support direct-to-device connectivity. Such capabilities could expand the range of services satellite networks offer beyond conventional broadband connections.

The company has also established relationships with India's telecom industry. Last year, Starlink signed agreements with Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio aimed at extending connectivity to remote and underserved communities. These partnerships could help satellite services complement existing telecommunications infrastructure, particularly in areas where conventional networks are difficult or expensive to deploy.

However, Starlink must still complete the regulatory process before it can begin commercial operations. Its infrastructure investments and industry partnerships do not, by themselves, guarantee approval or establish a launch date.

## Government Rejects Musk's Allegations

The Indian government pushed back against Musk's claims, maintaining that the country's regulatory framework for satellite communications is fair and applies without discrimination.

Officials described suggestions that the framework or its implementation unfairly disadvantages Starlink as “baseless and misconceived.” The government also emphasized that the outstanding approval process is not specific to one company.

Minister of State for Communications Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani said the Department of Telecommunications had issued licences to satellite communications companies and provided provisional spectrum allocations. He added that the remaining matter was awaiting security clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

“The Department of Telecom has issued licences to all satcom companies as well as provisional spectrum. Now the issue is pending with MHA for security clearance. As soon as it is cleared, they will get it. It has nothing to do with one company,” Pemmasani told reporters on the sidelines of the India Mobile Congress in New Delhi.

The minister's comments indicate that security clearance remains a key outstanding step in the process. They also contradict Musk's suggestion that specific business interests are responsible for keeping Starlink out of India.

## Musk Renews Questions Over India's Approval Process

Musk continued to challenge the delay after the government rejected his allegations. He pointed to Starlink's operations in more than 165 countries and its efforts to comply with Indian requirements, questioning why the company had not yet received final approval.

“Starlink is licensed in over 165 countries and has spent five years complying with every single law and requirement of the government of India, so why still no licence? Is Ambani the real boss of India?” Musk wrote on X.

His remarks brought renewed attention to the competing interests in India's satellite communications market. However, the allegations against Ambani or other business figures have not been substantiated in the information provided, and the government has maintained that the outstanding clearance is part of a broader regulatory process.

Former ISRO scientist Radha Krishna Kavuluru also responded critically to Musk's comments. In a post on X, Kavuluru defended India's regulatory independence and argued that the country's decisions should prioritize Indian citizens and national interests. The exchange added another dimension to the public debate over foreign technology companies, domestic business influence and national oversight.

## India's Satellite Broadband Market Awaits Clarity

Starlink's proposed entry could widen internet access in remote regions, where building conventional broadband and mobile infrastructure can be challenging. Satellite connectivity may offer another option for households, businesses and public services that have limited access to reliable networks.

At the same time, India's authorities must consider security requirements, spectrum management and the broader framework governing satellite communications. The balance between expanding connectivity and meeting national regulatory conditions will shape how quickly companies can begin offering services.

For now, Starlink says its infrastructure is ready, but commercial operations remain contingent on the completion of the approval process. The dispute has highlighted differing accounts of the delay: Musk has alleged interference by powerful business interests, while the government says the remaining clearance requirements apply within an established regulatory framework.