Rahul's answer – 'Welcome to India, you will know more if you know another person'; Center rejected allegations of discrimination
New Delhi. The conversation on social media between Elon Musk, one of the world's leading industrialists, and Rahul Gandhi, leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha, has sparked a new political discussion about starting satellite internet service in India. Musk raised questions as to why his company Starlink has not received approval to start services in India despite being licensed in more than 165 countries and following Indian regulations for five years. Rahul Gandhi responded to this, after which Musk thanked him and described the situation as worrying.
Musk raised questions by taking Ambani's name
Elon Musk wrote on social media platform X that Starlink has obtained licenses in more than 165 countries and his company has been following the laws and requirements of the Indian government for five years. Despite this, he raised questions on the delay in getting the license and asked whether Mukesh Ambani is the real 'boss' of India.
Earlier, Musk had alleged that some influential business groups are obstructing the entry of Starlink to maintain monopoly in India. However, he did not name any company in his first statement.
Rahul Gandhi replied, Musk expressed concern
On Musk's question, Rahul Gandhi wrote on X, 'Welcome to India, Alan. You will know more if you know the other person.
Rahul did not take anyone's name in his message. However, different speculations are being made in political circles regarding his remarks. On Rahul's reply, Musk wrote, 'Thank you, Rahul. This is really worrying.
After this conversation between the two, the discussion regarding Starlink's proposed service in India and competition in the telecom sector has intensified.
Government rejected allegations of discrimination
On Musk's allegations, the Central Government said that a fair and non-discriminatory regulatory system is in place for telecommunication and satellite communication services in India. According to the Telecom Ministry, Starlink, JioSatcom and Eutelsat OneWeb have been granted licenses for satellite communication services.
However, companies will have to meet security related conditions before starting commercial services. The ministry said that the process of security investigation of all three companies is going on and currently they are at almost the same regulatory stage.
The process will proceed after security clearance
Minister of State for Communications Chandrashekhar Pemmasani said that the security clearance of satellite communication companies is pending at the level of the Home Ministry. After getting approval, companies will be able to complete the next process. He clarified that this matter is not limited to any one company.
Starlink also said that the company has invested in the infrastructure and security systems required for the Indian market. Now the commercial launch of the company will depend on the completion of security clearance and other regulatory processes.