The Indian government has dismissed Elon Musk’s suggestion that Starlink faces unfair treatment in the country, calling the claim 'baseless and misconceived'. The Communications Ministry said India has a fair, non-discriminatory framework for satellite services and security assessments are underway for all three licensed GMPCS operators before spectrum assignment can begin under the process now.

The Ministry of Communications has dismissed Elon Musk's suggestion that India's satellite communication rules are being applied unfairly. In an official statement, the Indian government called the claim 'baseless and misconceived' and said all licensed satellite operators are at broadly the same regulatory stage.

What did Elon Musk say?

The SpaceX CEO replied on X to a post arguing that Starlink could offer underserved Indian communities a new route to high-speed broadband. "Unfortunately, we are being blocked by certain" powerful players, Musk wrote, "in order to maintain their monopolistic chokehold on the Indian people." Some outlets described the remark as a veiled attack on established telecom operators. Musk did not name anyone.

The Indian government's response