The Indian government responded on Thursday, October 8, rejecting suggestions that its satellite internet approval process favours certain companies. The Ministry
of Communications maintained that all operators face the same regulatory requirements and that security assessments are still underway.
Unfortunately, we are being blocked by certain oligarchs in order to maintain their monopolistic chokehold on the Indian people. You can guess who they are …
This is a crime against the people of India!
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 7, 2026
Read more: Starlink India launch faces new security check over satellite laser links
Elon Musk targets unnamed ‘oligarchs’ over Starlink delay
In a post on X on Wednesday, Musk wrote, “We are being blocked by certain oligarchs in order to maintain their monopolistic chokehold on the Indian people.”
He added, “You can guess who they are.”
Musk did not identify any company or individual. India’s telecom market is dominated by Reliance Jio, led by Mukesh Ambani, and Bharti Airtel, headed by Sunil Mittal.
Both companies signed separate agreements with SpaceX in 2025 to distribute Starlink services in India. Those partnerships have yet to result in a commercial launch.
Government rejects Musk’s allegations
Responding to the controversy, the Ministry of Communications said, “The suggestion that the framework or its application is unfair or discriminatory is baseless and misconceived.”
Three satellite communication operators, including Starlink, have received initial approvals until now. All three are awaiting spectrum allocation and final security clearances.
The government maintains that their applications are at broadly similar stages.
Read more: India doesn’t need Starlink? Users slam Musk’s pitch over security fears
What is delaying Starlink’s India launch?
Starlink has been trying to enter India for several years. Security requirements, spectrum allocation and concerns over the operation of satellite terminals remain major issues.
Indian authorities previously recovered Starlink equipment during operations in Manipur and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in 2024. Musk has maintained that Starlink’s satellite beams were switched off over India.
At India Mobile Congress on Wednesday, Starlink executive Lauren Dreyer said the company had been working for years to bring satellite connectivity to India.
