The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on Thursday, October 8, 2026, denied claims that it was protecting oligarchs by delaying approvals for SpaceX’s Starlink satellite‑internet service in India. The agency said its regulatory framework applies uniformly to all satellite communication providers.
Elon Musk, however, reiterated his criticism on the same day, amplifying posts that support Starlink’s launch and questioning industrialist Mukesh Ambani, asking if he was the “real boss of India.” Musk highlighted Starlink’s potential to fill coverage gaps in areas with poor or no internet and mobile connectivity, noting the service is licensed in over 165 countries and has complied with Indian law for five years.
The DoT responded that security assessments for Starlink and other operators—such as Bharti‑backed OneWeb and Reliance Industries’ satellite arm—are currently underway. It stressed that all licensees must demonstrate compliance with specified security conditions before services can be rolled out, a measure aimed at safeguarding users and their data.
At the India Mobile Congress, SpaceX executive Lauren Dreyer said the company hopes to receive approval by this time next year and has already established 20 facilities in India to process data locally. Meanwhile, Reliance Jio chairman Akash Ambani declined to comment, and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi joined the debate on X, prompting Musk to respond with a brief acknowledgment.
