India’s communications ministry has dismissed Elon Musk’s allegation of regulatory bias, saying Starlink is undergoing the same security and licensing process as other satellite operators.
India’s government has rejected Elon Musk’s suggestion that “certain oligarchs” are holding up the launch of Starlink in the country, saying the approval system for satellite communications is being run on a fair and non-discriminatory basis. In a statement from the Ministry of Communications, officials did not name Musk directly, but responded to online claims of regulatory bias by saying the process applies equally to all applicants.
The ministry said three satellite communications operators have already been granted telecom licences and that each is now moving through the same security review. That puts Starlink on the same procedural footing as its rivals, according to the government’s account, with no special treatment either for or against the company. Indian outlets including TechCrunch, Mint, The New Indian Express and The Indian Express all reported the ministry’s response in similar terms, quoting officials as describing the allegation as “baseless and misconceived”.
The exchange comes as satellite internet providers push for access to one of the world’s largest digital markets, where coverage gaps remain significant outside major cities. Starlink, which is controlled by Musk’s SpaceX, has been seeking regulatory clearance in India for some time, but the latest government statement suggests the delay is tied to security and licensing checks rather than any alleged influence from domestic business interests.
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