World · South & Central Asia · 12 hrs ago
India says Starlink must follow the same rules as other firms
India says Elon Musk’s satellite internet company Starlink must meet the same regulatory and security requirements as other providers operating in the country.
Those providers include Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio-SES.
Musk has alleged that powerful business interests are blocking Starlink, but India’s Communications Ministry says the claim of unfair treatment is baseless.
The dispute comes as relations between India and the United States face strains over US restrictions affecting Indian companies and workers.
The tensions are also affecting negotiations on a bilateral trade agreement, which India sees little chance of advancing before US midterm elections.
India says it will decide what to do about the negotiations after the elections, depending on the results.
The trade talks have also faced disagreements over US tariffs and demands for access to India’s agriculture market.
India says Starlink must meet the same regulatory and security requirements as other companies operating in the country.
New Delhi says Starlink is being treated equally to satellite service providers Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio-SES.
The Communications Ministry rejected Elon Musk’s allegation that “oligarchs” were blocking Starlink to protect a monopoly.
The position comes amid growing strains in US-India relations, including US restrictions affecting Indian IT companies and professionals.
India sees little prospect of progress on an interim bilateral trade deal before the US mid-term elections.
- Who
- The Indian government and Elon Musk’s Starlink.
- What
- India says Starlink must follow the same rules and security procedures as other companies. Musk alleged that “oligarchs” were blocking the service.
- When
- October 11, 2026. The article also refers to recent US restrictions.
- Where
- India.
- Why
- India says companies must complete the full compliance process and that American businesses should not receive special treatment.
Indian government
Elon Musk
Equal treatment
Indian government
Starlink must follow the same rules and security procedures as other companies.
Elon Musk
Musk alleged that “oligarchs” were blocking Starlink to maintain a monopoly.
Allegation of unfair treatment
Indian government
The Communications Ministry called the suggestion of unfair or discriminatory treatment baseless and misconceived.
Elon Musk
Musk alleged that certain “oligarchs” were blocking Starlink.
India-US relations have nose-dived. But we will do what is right for our people
baseless and misconceived
oligarchs
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Date
- October 11, 2026
- Indian position
- Starlink must complete the entire compliance process wherever security regulations apply
- Other providers
- Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio-SES
- Trade negotiations
- India sees little prospect of progress on the proposed interim deal before the US mid-term elections
Sources
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