Tensions have escalated between Elon Musk and India's government over Starlink's delayed market entry. Musk has leveled accusations at unnamed business elites for obstructing the satellite internet service, while Indian authorities have firmly rejected these allegations as unfounded.

In posts on X, Musk expressed frustration about the obstacles facing his company. "Unfortunately, we are being blocked by certain oligarchs in order to maintain their monopolistic chokehold on the Indian people," Musk wrote, according to Forbes. "This is a crime against the people of India!" he added. Though he did not identify specific individuals initially, he later questioned whether "Ambani the real boss of India?" in a separate message.

The reference appears directed at Mukesh Ambani, whose Jio telecommunications venture, alongside Sunil Mittal's Airtel, commands roughly 80 percent of India's telecom sector, as noted by Semafor.

Government rejects allegations

India's communications ministry responded Thursday with a statement that did not directly address Musk or Starlink by name. "The suggestion that the framework or its application is unfair or discriminatory is baseless and misconceived," the ministry stated, per Al Jazeera.

Officials emphasized that three satellite operators are proceeding through comparable approval stages, all subject to identical security evaluations. Beyond Starlink, these include Jio's satellite division and OneWeb India.

Years of waiting for approval

Starlink has pursued authorization to operate in India since 2022. The company obtained a significant licensing milestone last year but continues awaiting final governmental clearance.

A turning point came in June when Indian security authorities withheld approvals following Starlink's activation in Iran, where the service operates without proper licensing.

Meanwhile, Jio has announced plans to establish its own competing satellite network. Previously, Jio and Airtel had committed to distributing Starlink equipment, though their relationship appears to have deteriorated since then.

SpaceX remains optimistic about the timeline. Lauren Dreyer, a SpaceX executive, has expressed hope for regulatory approval within the coming year, Forbes reported. The company has already constructed 20 ground stations across India in preparation for launch.

Source: The Next Web