India rejects Musk’s claim of bias over Starlink approval

India has rejected allegations that its regulatory process for satellite internet services is unfair, after Elon Musk accused unnamed business interests of obstructing Starlink’s launch in the country.

Musk said on social media that “certain oligarchs” were allegedly trying to prevent Starlink from entering the Indian market in order to protect their dominant positions. He did not identify the individuals or companies he was referring to.

India’s telecommunications ministry dismissed the allegation, saying the country’s regulatory framework was being applied equally to satellite internet providers.

The ministry said three companies were at broadly the same stage of the approval process, with security assessments still being conducted. It argued that claims of discrimination were unfounded.

Starlink, operated by Musk’s SpaceX, has been waiting for final regulatory clearance in India for several years. The company has already received initial approval but still requires spectrum allocation and completion of other regulatory procedures.

India’s satellite broadband market also includes ventures linked to Reliance Jio, controlled by billionaire Mukesh Ambani, and Bharti Airtel, led by Sunil Mittal. Both companies have secured preliminary approvals for satellite internet services and are also awaiting spectrum allocation and final clearances.

The dispute reflects earlier disagreements between Musk, Ambani and Mittal over how India should allocate spectrum for satellite communications. The three companies later moved towards cooperation, with Airtel and Jio signing separate arrangements to help distribute Starlink equipment in India.

The Indian market is considered strategically important for Starlink. Industry projections suggest the country’s satellite broadband sector could become a multibillion-dollar market by the end of the decade.

The issue also carries wider diplomatic implications. Washington has promoted greater access for Starlink in foreign markets as part of broader trade discussions, while India and the United States continue negotiations over a trade agreement.

Security concerns have added another layer to the regulatory process. Indian authorities previously reported finding Starlink equipment during separate operations in 2024, including a drug-related investigation in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and a military search in Manipur.

Musk later claimed that Starlink’s satellite signals had not been operating over India. The latest dispute comes as the company continues to await final approval to begin commercial satellite broadband services in the country.