Amid Starlink row, Owaisi says he opposes Modi, but how can a ‘gora’ question India’s PM?

Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX and Tesla, has raised concerns about delays in securing regulatory approval for Starlink, his satellite internet service, in India. His public statements criticizing the Indian government have drawn attention from both domestic and international observers, including prominent figures such as Asaduddin Owaisi, the head of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMIM). Owaisi responded to Musk's remarks, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding foreign involvement in India's internal affairs. The controversy began when Musk questioned the delay in allowing Starlink to begin commercial operations in India. He accused "certain oligarchs" of obstructing SpaceX’s efforts to secure spectrum access in the country. On October 8, the Indian Communications Ministry dismissed these allegations as baseless and misconceived, stating that India's satellite communications framework was fair and non-discriminatory. The ministry noted that security assessments for three entities were underway and that all were at broadly the same regulatory stage. Musk intensified his criticism, pointing out that Starlink was licensed to operate in more than 165 countries and had spent five years complying with Indian regulations. He asked, "So why still no licence? Is Ambani the real boss of India?" referencing Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani. Reliance Industries responded to Musk's allegations, stating that it has never feared competition and that the Indian market's openness rests on the rule of law. The company emphasized that the same regulatory process applies to all applicants, regardless of their origin. Reliance added that its own satellite services, part of its telecommunications company Jio, were also awaiting clearances. Owaisi addressed the situation during a press interaction in Hyderabad on October 16. He expressed his opposition to Prime Minister Narendra Modi but clarified that he would not endorse a foreigner questioning India's political leadership. Owaisi questioned why the BJP and the Modi government appeared apprehensive in the face of foreign scrutiny. He stated that the interests of Indian workers and citizens should take precedence over those of powerful foreign businessmen. The Indian Express published an article addressing Musk's claims, emphasizing that the regulatory process in India is not indicative of cronyism. The piece highlighted that Starlink is not the only company awaiting satellite broadband licensing in India, noting that Reliance Jio’s satellite venture and Eutelsat OneWeb are also in the same position. The article explained that Indian law requires all satellite-based telecom services to meet specific security conditions, similar to those in other countries. Musk's remarks about Ambani being the real boss of India drew further responses. He suggested that the Indian government might be influenced by a single conglomerate, a scenario reminiscent of pre-2014 India, characterized by issues like the 2G spectrum scam. However, the current regulatory framework under the Modi government aims to ensure transparency and fairness for all players, both Indian and foreign. In response to Musk's query about whether Ambani is the real boss of India, the article pointed out that the India described by Musk is not reflective of the current governance structure. The reforms implemented by the Modi government have aimed to change the landscape of regulatory outcomes, ensuring an open, safe, trusted, and accountable environment for the tech sector. As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on the regulatory processes governing satellite communications in India, with all stakeholders, including foreign entities, required to adhere to the same standards. The discourse continues to highlight the balance between fostering innovation and maintaining national security interests.