Starlink India row: Scindia hits out at Cong, Musk
Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia responded to Elon Musk’s criticism of India’s handling of Starlink’s satellite communications approval process. Scindia stated that India does not permit monopolies in any sector, addressing the controversy surrounding Musk’s allegations of a delayed Starlink launch in the country. He also criticized the Congress party for its inconsistent position on the matter, saying they were unsure whether they were "going left or right."
Furthermore, Scindia clarified that all three satellite communication license holders - Starlink, Reliance Jio’s satellite communications arm, and Eutelsat OneWeb - would be able to commence operations once the government determines the revenue-based spectrum charge system and they meet security requirements.
Musk questioned why Starlink, which holds licenses in over 165 countries, has yet to receive the necessary approvals to launch services in India. He accused unnamed "oligarchs" of blocking the company to shield their business interests and described the alleged obstruction as a "crime against the people of India." Musk also asked on X, "Is Ambani the real boss of India?"
The government has dismissed Musk’s allegations, asserting that Starlink and the other satcom operators are in the same stage of the regulatory process. The three companies awaiting the required security clearances are Starlink, Reliance Jio’s satellite communications arm, and Eutelsat OneWeb, all of which are associated with Bharti Airtel. The Department of Telecommunications has issued licenses and provisional spectrum to satcom companies, while the Ministry of Home Affairs handles security clearance.
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