Starlink India Row: Centre Denies Bias After Elon Musk’s ‘Oligarchs’ Claim

The Centre has rejected allegations that Starlink is facing discriminatory treatment in India, saying the country’s regulatory framework for satellite communication services is “fair and non-discriminatory”.

The Ministry of Communications issued the clarification on Thursday, a day after SpaceX CEO Elon Musk claimed that “certain oligarchs” were standing in the way of Starlink’s plans to launch satellite internet services in India.

In a statement released through the Press Information Bureau, the ministry said satellite communication licences have been issued to three companies, all of which are required to meet security-related conditions. Their security assessments are currently underway.

The ministry said the three companies are “at broadly the same regulatory stage” and termed allegations of discrimination “baseless and misconceived”.

What Did Elon Musk Claim?

Musk made the remarks on X while responding to a post highlighting Starlink’s potential to deliver high-speed internet to remote and underserved parts of India.

The SpaceX chief alleged that Starlink was being blocked to protect a “monopolistic chokehold” over Indian consumers.

The comments have put the spotlight on the regulatory approvals still pending before Starlink can begin commercial operations in the country.

Starlink Yet to Launch in India

Starlink has obtained a licence to provide satellite internet services in India but has not yet started commercial operations.

Bloomberg reported that the company is awaiting security clearances and allocation of the required spectrum bands before launching its services.

India has granted satellite communication licences to three companies — Starlink, Jio and OneWeb. However, none has yet switched on a full commercial satellite internet service in the country, according to the report.

Centre Says No Differential Treatment

The government’s response comes amid growing attention on India’s satellite broadband market.

By stating that all three licensed companies are undergoing the same broad regulatory process, the Communications Ministry sought to reject the suggestion that Starlink was being singled out.

The final launch timelines for the companies will depend on completion of the required security assessments, spectrum-related arrangements and other regulatory conditions.