📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Sachin Nagar
Technology
Elon Musk blames oligarchs for stalling Starlink launch in India, calls it a crime against people
✍️ The Economic Times
🗓 08 Oct 2026, 04:48 AM
👁 23
SpaceX founder Elon Musk said that powerful oligarchs are preventing Starlink from entering the Indian market, labeling the obstruction a crime against the public.
Elon Musk, the chief executive of SpaceX and Tesla, publicly accused a group of influential oligarchs of deliberately blocking the entry of Starlink, the satellite‑internet service, into India. He described the alleged obstruction as a "crime against people," arguing that it deprives millions of potential internet users of affordable connectivity.
Musk's remarks came as Starlink is reportedly seeking regulatory approval to operate in the country, a process that has faced delays and extensive scrutiny from Indian authorities. While the company has not disclosed specific details of the alleged interference, the billionaire highlighted what he perceives as vested interests protecting existing telecom players.
The statement adds pressure on the Indian government, which has been evaluating applications for satellite‑based broadband services under its broader digital inclusion agenda. Officials have not responded to Musk's accusations, and the timeline for any decision on Starlink's licence remains uncertain.
Industry analysts note that the entry of Starlink could intensify competition in the broadband market, potentially lowering costs for consumers, especially in remote and underserved regions.
For now, the dispute remains a public allegation, with the outcome dependent on regulatory proceedings and any further diplomatic engagement between SpaceX and Indian authorities.
Musk's remarks came as Starlink is reportedly seeking regulatory approval to operate in the country, a process that has faced delays and extensive scrutiny from Indian authorities. While the company has not disclosed specific details of the alleged interference, the billionaire highlighted what he perceives as vested interests protecting existing telecom players.
The statement adds pressure on the Indian government, which has been evaluating applications for satellite‑based broadband services under its broader digital inclusion agenda. Officials have not responded to Musk's accusations, and the timeline for any decision on Starlink's licence remains uncertain.
Industry analysts note that the entry of Starlink could intensify competition in the broadband market, potentially lowering costs for consumers, especially in remote and underserved regions.
For now, the dispute remains a public allegation, with the outcome dependent on regulatory proceedings and any further diplomatic engagement between SpaceX and Indian authorities.