India's Ministry of Communications denied allegations that its satellite internet regulatory process is unfair after Elon Musk claimed unnamed entities were blocking Starlink's launch.

India’s Ministry of Communications has rejected claims by Elon Musk that the country’s regulatory framework for satellite internet is discriminatory. Musk alleged on Wednesday that unnamed "oligarchs" were blocking SpaceX’s Starlink service to maintain a "monopolistic chokehold" on the Indian market. The ministry responded by stating that its authorization process is fair and that all three licensed satellite operators are currently at the same regulatory stage.

Regulatory Status and Security Assessments

The Ministry of Communications clarified that three companies have been granted telecommunication licenses for satellite services. Each licensee is currently undergoing mandatory security assessments to ensure compliance with data protection and security requirements. The ministry stated that once these assessments are complete, companies may proceed to the next phase of seeking spectrum assignment. It dismissed suggestions of unfair treatment as "baseless and misconceived."

Starlink’s Market Entry Efforts

Starlink has been working to enter the Indian market for over five years, recently appointing Prabhakar Jayakumar to lead its local operations. The company has established more than 20 gateway sites and hundreds of antennas within India. Despite securing regulatory approvals and forming partnerships with telecom firms like Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, Starlink has not yet launched commercial services. During the India Mobile Congress in New Delhi, Starlink Vice President Lauren Dreyer stated the company remains committed to supporting India's goal of universal connectivity.