{
  "id": 14919692,
  "title": "Amid Starlink row, Owaisi says he opposes Modi, but how can a ‘gora’ question India’s PM?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/amid-starlink-row-owaisi-says-he-opposes-modi-but-how-can-a-gora",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-16T09:25:47.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hindustan Times",
    "slug": "hindustan-times",
    "url": "https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/amid-starlink-row-owaisi-says-he-opposes-modi-but-how-can-a-gora-question-india-s-pm-101792139649312.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi has often clashed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but when Elon Musk questioned India's decision-making authority, Owaisi found himself defending the government against the world's richest man. The controversy erupted after Musk publicly criticized the delay in permitting Starlink, his satellite internet service, to launch commercial operations in India. The opposition has seized upon the dispute to cast doubt on the BJP's ties to big business, while Owaisi has framed it as a test of the party's nationalist credentials.\n\nSpeaking to journalists in Hyderabad on Thursday, after AIMIM filed a petition with the Supreme Court over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Owaisi clarified that his opposition to Modi did not imply support for a foreigner questioning India's political leadership. \"We have always been against Narendra Modi and will continue to be so. But how can Elon Musk say such things about our India's Prime Minister?\" Owaisi questioned.\n\nOwaisi's comments came amid growing apprehension among the BJP and the Modi government over Musk's remarks. \"Whenever you see white skin, the BJP becomes apprehensive,\" he said, accusing the ruling party of being afraid of individuals with foreign backgrounds. He emphasized that the interests of Indian workers and citizens should take precedence over those of powerful foreign businessmen.\n\nMusk's criticism of India began on October 7, when he accused \"certain oligarchs\" of obstructing SpaceX's satellite broadband service, Starlink, from securing spectrum access in the country. The Communications Ministry promptly dismissed these allegations as \"baseless and misconceived,\" stating that India's satellite communications framework is fair and non-discriminatory. The ministry also noted that the security assessments of three entities were ongoing and that all were at a similar stage of regulatory review.\n\nIn response to Musk's continued criticism, the Communications Ministry intensified its stance, pointing out that Starlink is licensed to operate in over 165 countries and that SpaceX has spent five years complying with Indian regulations. Musk responded by questioning why Starlink was still denied a license, accusing Mukesh Ambani, chairman of Reliance Industries, of holding undue influence over the Indian government. Reliance Industries, in turn, defended the government's process for granting licenses to both Indian and foreign applicants, noting that its satellite services were also awaiting clearances.",
  "summary": "Elon Musk, the owner of SpaceX and CEO of Tesla, has publicly questioned delays in allowing his satellite internet company, Starlink, to operate in India. Musk recently accused oligarchs of preventing the service's rollout to protect their own monopolies. In response to remarks regarding the Indian market, Reliance Industries stated it welcomes competition in satellite communications, including Starlink, and denied suggestions that it is blocking the service.\n\nThe potential launch of Starlink in India has involved ongoing debates concerning spectrum allocation and pricing. Although Reliance's digital arm, Jio Platforms, signed an agreement with SpaceX in March 2025 to offer Starlink services, the service has not yet launched.\n\nSeparately, a senior Ukrainian presidential official told Euronews that Kyiv is pursuing discussions with European countries to develop alternatives to US-made air defence systems and Starlink satellite communications. Ihor Zhovkva, deputy head of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's office, noted that Ukraine is seeking to reduce its reliance on American capabilities due to uncertainty regarding support from Washington.",
  "key_points": [
    "Owaisi opposes Modi but defends India against Musk's criticism",
    "AIMIM files petition with Supreme Court over SIR of electoral rolls",
    "Musk's remarks worry BJP, accused of fearing foreign backgrounds"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Economic Times - Economy",
        "title": "The $50-billion question: Who gets what as India and Canada aim to strike a trade deal?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/the-50-billion-question-who-gets-what-as-india-and-canada-aim-to",
        "published": "2026-10-16T09:19:40.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}