The Ministry of Communications has rejected claims that India’s regulatory framework for satellite communication services is discriminatory, saying all licensed providers are currently at broadly the same stage of the approval process.
The clarification came after SpaceX CEO Elon Musk alleged that Starlink was being blocked by “certain oligarchs” seeking to protect their “monopolistic chokehold” on the Indian market.
In a statement issued by the Press Information Bureau, the ministry said India has established a “fair and non-discriminatory” authorisation framework for telecommunications services, including satellite communications.
The government has granted licences to three Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) service providers using non-geostationary satellite orbit-based systems. However, all licensees are required to demonstrate compliance with security conditions before proceeding to the next stage of spectrum assignment.
“Security assessment as part of this process is currently under way in respect of all three licensees,” the ministry said.
It added that all three companies are currently at “broadly the same regulatory stage” and called suggestions that the framework or its application was unfair or discriminatory “baseless and misconceived”.
Musk made the allegations while responding to a post on X claiming that Starlink could provide high-speed broadband access to underserved and remote communities in India.
“Unfortunately, we (Starlink) are being blocked by certain oligarchs in order to maintain their monopolistic chokehold on the Indian people,” Musk wrote, adding, “This is a crime against the people of India.”
Starlink has meanwhile said it has been preparing its operations to meet Indian regulatory and security requirements.
Speaking at India Mobile Congress 2026 on October 7, Starlink Vice President of Business Operations Lauren Dreyer said the company had developed India-specific security controls and built 20 gateway sites across the country.
“We've built our Starlink operations specifically for India in recognition of Indian security requirements and other regulations,” Dreyer said, adding that the company was “keeping Indian user data within India”.
Dreyer said Starlink had already invested in ground infrastructure, including 20 gateway sites equipped with hundreds of antennas, and had established operations to serve the Indian market once approvals are completed.
She said the company had been working with Indian regulators, industry stakeholders and operators for the past five years to adapt its operations to the country's requirements.
India has granted licences to three satellite communication companies, including Starlink, to offer services in the country. However, the companies still need to complete the required security assessments before seeking spectrum assignment.
In June, Dreyer also rejected reports that India had frozen Starlink’s approval process over geopolitical or security concerns, saying the company remained in active discussions with the government over the launch of its commercial satellite internet services.
(With agency inputs from ANI)