New Delhi: The issue of approval to launch Elon Musk’s satellite internet service Starlink in India is once again in the news. The company has to fulfil the necessary procedures and security-related conditions to start services in India. Meanwhile, Indian-origin researcher and writer Rajeev Malhotra has asked Elon Musk on social media platform.
After Malhotra’s post, the debate on issues related to Starlink, India’s telecom policy and national security has intensified. However, it is important to understand the claims related to the delay in approval to launch the service in India and the availability of Starlink in China separately on the basis of official facts.
What question did Rajiv Malhotra ask Elon Musk?
Rajeev Malhotra raised the question in his post that despite Starlink services not being available in China, why does Elon Musk not express displeasure like India about the policies there? He also mentioned Tesla’s large investments in China and questioned whether business interests there influence the matter.
Hey Elon, why does China not allow Starlink? Is it some Chinese oligarch? China is where you are heavily invested in Tesla and yet they block Starlink. What @elonmusk does not know is that alliance with @RahulGandhi is the kiss of death in India. Clearly, Musk’s people did not brief him well. Also, the matter is bigger than mere technology and quality of service. It has to do with sovereignty issues in three ways: 1) foreign ability to decide who is denied service, especially serious in the midst of war. 2) foreign ability to influence social unrest as has happened in other countries. 3) X’s record of allowing anti-India, Hinduphobic attacks. Musk rightfully defends his own identity, and should appreciate how Hindus and Indians feel when there is blatant bias.
— Rajiv Malhotra (@RajivMessage) October 8, 2026
This comment has come at a time when regulatory approvals and security related processes are being discussed for starting Starlink services in India. Malhotra’s post has raised questions about the commercial interests of tech companies and their stance towards the policies of different countries.
Why is Starlink approval being delayed in India?
Starlink is the satellite internet service of Elon Musk’s company SpaceX. It provides Internet connectivity through low Earth orbit satellites instead of traditional cable or mobile networks.
For operation of such services in India, it is necessary to follow the rules related to telecom and space sector. This includes spectrum usage, network security, data-related requirements and other regulatory requirements. The company has to complete the relevant approvals and procedures, only after which the service can be started.
Therefore, it would not be correct to link the delay in approval only to political resentment. Regulatory, technical and security related aspects may play a role behind this.
What is the situation regarding Starlink services in China?
Starlink’s service in China is not officially available to ordinary consumers. The country’s Internet and telecommunications sector is under tight government control. The operation of foreign satellite internet services is also affected by the policies and regulatory regime there.
On the other hand, China is an important market for Elon Musk’s company Tesla. Tesla’s manufacturing and business are present there. For this reason, Malhotra has raised questions about China in the context of Starlink and Tesla.
However, just because a company has business interests in a country does not necessarily mean that all its decisions are influenced by those interests. To reach a conclusion on this issue, it is important to look at the company’s official statements and related policies.
Why did the names of Mukesh Ambani and Rahul Gandhi come into discussion?
Amidst the ongoing debate regarding Starlink, mention of Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also came up. According to available material, Malhotra’s remarks raised questions about India’s business environment and competing interests related to satellite internet services.
Competition, licensing and regulatory conditions are important issues due to the potential participation of different companies in the satellite internet service sector in India. However, to accuse a company or individual of exerting undue influence, solid evidence is necessary.
What has the government said on Starlink’s license?
As per available information, the Government of India has mentioned three companies for satellite internet services. These include Elon Musk’s Starlink, Reliance Jio’s satellite business and Bharti Group-backed Eutelsat OneWeb.
To operate such services, companies have to follow prescribed security and regulatory procedures. It would not be right to assume merely on the basis of news related to license or permission that a company has fulfilled all the conditions or that its service will start immediately.
What does the controversy over Starlink mean for India?
Satellite internet services like Starlink can help increase connectivity in remote areas. Where traditional broadband or mobile networks are difficult to reach, satellite-based Internet can become an alternative.
But such services also require compliance with national security, spectrum management, data security and local rules. The challenge for India is to balance security and regulatory requirements while taking advantage of the opportunities of new technology.
