Elon Musk’s Starlink row in India exposes Asia’s deeper battle over satellite power

Elon Musk’s accusation that powerful Indian business interests are blocking Starlink’s entry into India has sparked a political row, but analysts say the dispute also highlights security concerns, regulatory hurdles and strategic calculations shaping the satellite service’s expansion across Asia.

In a post on social media, Musk said Starlink was licensed in more than 165 countries and had spent five years complying with Indian laws and regulations.

“So why still no licence? Is Ambani the real boss of India?” he wrote, suggesting Reliance Group chairman Mukesh Ambani – one of India’s wealthiest tycoons whose sprawling conglomerate has a major footprint across the economy – might wield undue influence over the licensing process.

The post drew a sharp response from Rahul Gandhi, leader of India’s main opposition party. “Welcome to India, Elon. Wait till you discover the other guy,” Gandhi said, apparently referring to Gautam Adani, another prominent Indian billionaire whose infrastructure and energy empire has expanded rapidly in recent years.