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Rahul Gandhi Mocks Musk’s Ambani Remarks Amid Starlink Dispute
Elon Musk said Starlink is still waiting for permission to operate in India.
He suggested that powerful business interests might be making the process harder.
Rahul Gandhi responded with a sarcastic message that referred to Gautam Adani.
India’s communications ministry denied that it was treating companies unfairly.
It said Starlink, Reliance Jio Satcom, and Eutelsat OneWeb face the same rules.
The companies still need to meet security and data requirements before they can begin operating.
The disagreement has become both a business dispute and a political argument.
Elon Musk questioned on X why Starlink remains unlicensed in India despite approvals in 165 countries.
Rahul Gandhi replied, “Welcome to India, Elon. Wait till you discover the other guy,” referring to Gautam Adani.
Musk alleged that domestic oligarchs were creating regulatory obstacles to protect market monopolies.
India’s Ministry of Communications called claims of discriminatory authorization “baseless and misconceived,” saying providers face equal rules.
Sunil Bharti Mittal said Eutelsat OneWeb faces the same compliance scrutiny while awaiting final clearances.
- Who
- Elon Musk, Rahul Gandhi, India’s Ministry of Communications, and satellite communications companies including Starlink, Reliance Jio Satcom, and Eutelsat OneWeb.
- What
- Musk questioned Starlink’s lack of an Indian license and alleged regulatory obstacles; Gandhi mocked his remarks, while the government denied discriminatory treatment.
- Where
- India, with the dispute discussed publicly on X and during the India Mobile Congress.
- When
- Thursday, during the ongoing India Mobile Congress; the article does not provide a calendar date.
- Why
- The disagreement concerns Starlink’s authorization and claims about whether regulation protects domestic companies or applies equally.
Claims of regulatory barriers
Government and industry responses
Fairness of the authorization process
Claims of regulatory barriers
Musk alleged that domestic oligarchs were engineering regulatory roadblocks to protect market monopolies.
Government and industry responses
The Ministry of Communications denied favoritism and said the three satellite communications contenders are on equal regulatory footing.
Whether companies face the same scrutiny
Claims of regulatory barriers
Musk’s comments challenged the fairness of Starlink’s prolonged wait for authorization.
Government and industry responses
Sunil Bharti Mittal said Eutelsat OneWeb faces the same compliance scrutiny while awaiting final clearances.
Key facts
- Musk’s claim
- He said Starlink had spent five years complying with statutory rules set by New Delhi.
- Approvals cited
- Musk said Starlink had approvals in 165 nations.
- Gandhi’s response
- “Welcome to India, Elon. Wait till you discover the other guy.”
- Companies named
- Starlink, Reliance Jio Satcom, and Bharti Airtel-backed Eutelsat OneWeb.
- Government position
- The Ministry of Communications said allegations of a discriminatory authorization regime were “baseless and misconceived.”
- Conditions for rollout
- The government said rollout is subject to national security evaluations and data compliance protocols.
- OneWeb position
- Sunil Bharti Mittal said Eutelsat OneWeb faces identical compliance scrutiny and is awaiting final clearances.
Quotes
Rahul Gandhi
Leader of the Opposition in India
“Welcome to India, Elon. Wait till you discover the other guy.”
deccanchronicle.com
“Is Ambani the real boss of India?”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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