Musk blames Indian ‘oligarchs’ for Starlink delay, India calls it baseless
Elon Musk has accused unnamed oligarchs of keeping Starlink out of India. The government says its rules are fair.
October 9, 2026 - 2:42 pm
Elon Musk speaking at the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs in April 2022. Credit: Trevor Cokley / US Air Force Academy
Musk wrote on X that:
"Unfortunately, we are being blocked by certain oligarchs in order to maintain their monopolistic chokehold on the Indian people."
He added, "This is a crime against the people of India!"
He did not name anyone. But he asked provocatively: "Is Ambani the real boss of India?"
Mukesh Ambani’s Jio and Sunil Mittal’s Airtel control about 80% of India’s telecom market.
India rejects claim
India’s communications ministry hit back, without naming Musk or Starlink:
"The suggestion that the framework or its application is unfair or discriminatory is baseless and misconceived."
The ministry noted that three satellite firms are at a similar stage and all face security checks. The others are Jio’s satellite arm and OneWeb India.
Starlink waiting since 2022
Starlink has sought to launch in India since 2022. It won a key licence last year but still lacks final approval.
In June, security agencies held back clearances after Starlink was switched on in Iran, where it has no licence.
Jio is now planning its own satellite network to rival Starlink. Last year, Jio and Airtel had agreed to sell Starlink kit, but those ties appear to have soured.
A SpaceX executive, Lauren Dreyer, has said she hopes for approval next year. SpaceX says it has built 20 ground stations in India.
By Alina Maria Stan