Dear Elon, trust the process. It will serve Starlink well

Elon Musk's recent accusations against India of protecting "crony capitalists" have been criticized for being factually incorrect, poorly framed, and misstrategized. Musk's claim that India's regulatory process reflects cronyism is inaccurate, as three companies—Starlink, Reliance Jio's satellite venture Jio Satcom, and Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb—are all awaiting the same licensing process.

This process includes security clearance verification, spectrum allocation, lawful interception capability, and confirmation that Indian users' data is not routed through foreign territories without authorization. These requirements are not unique to India and exist in many other countries, including the US, the EU, and others that prioritize communications security.

Starlink's low-earth-orbit constellation presents unique challenges for lawful interception, but this is a technical issue, not a regulatory one. Despite its significance in the Ukraine conflict, Starlink is a dual-use strategic system, not merely a broadband service with incidental military uses. Musk's claim that India is the "real boss" is misleading, as the India Musk describes—where a single conglomerate dictates regulatory outcomes—no longer exists.

Reforms implemented under the Modi government have changed the landscape, creating an Open, Safe, Trusted, and Accountable framework that applies equally to all players, both Indian and foreign. Musk's frustration highlights the need for patience, as the regulatory process in India is extensive, but ultimately serves the best interests of Indian connectivity and security.