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

Reliance Industries Ltd. on Friday denied accusations by billionaire Elon Musk that it is blocking the launch of Starlink, his satellite internet service in India. The company said it has "never feared competition" and emphasized that the Indian market is open to all players under the rule of law. Reliance did not directly name Musk but responded to "recent remarks about Reliance and the Indian market." The company noted that the regulatory process applies equally to all applicants, regardless of nationality. It also mentioned that its own satellite services, offered through its telecommunications division Jio, are waiting for clearances similar to those required for Starlink. Starlink, operated by SpaceX, provides internet access via satellites in low-Earth orbit. If launched in India, it would face competition from Jio Space Technology, a joint venture under Reliance, and Eutelsat OneWeb, supported by Bharti Airtel Group. Musk had previously accused "certain oligarchs" in India of hindering Starlink's launch, suggesting they aim to preserve a "monopolistic chokehold" over the sector. He did not specify any individual at the time. Following these comments, the Indian government defended its regulatory framework, stating it is "fair and non-discriminatory." According to The Hindu, Starlink has received authorization for global mobile personal communications by satellite from the Department of Telecommunications but has yet to obtain the necessary security clearances to start operations. Some of the security rules, revised in May, require SpaceX to disable Starlink receivers bought outside India and terminals sold domestically if they are taken abroad. Musk further questioned whether "Ambani is the real boss" of India, referencing Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani. He pointed out that Starlink is licensed in over 165 countries and has spent five years adhering to Indian regulations, asking why it still lacks a license. He also asked if "Prime Minister Ambani" would allow Starlink to compete in India. Reliance had not commented on these allegations initially. However, the company reiterated its stance on Friday, emphasizing that it supports competition in satellite communications and believes all players must adhere to Indian laws and policies. In a separate development, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi addressed Musk's remarks, expressing concern over the implication that a foreign entity could question India's leadership. Owaisi criticized the BJP for appearing apprehensive in the presence of foreign influence, stressing that the interests of Indian citizens should take precedence over those of foreign businessmen. Musk's criticism of New Delhi started on October 7, prompting a public exchange with the government. The Communications Ministry dismissed the allegations as "baseless and misconceived," asserting that India's satellite communications framework is fair and non-discriminatory. It confirmed that security assessments for three entities, including Starlink, were ongoing and that all were at "broadly the same regulatory stage." Reliance Industries' response highlighted its growth in an environment welcoming both domestic and international investments aimed at improving people's lives. The company advocates for satellite spectrum to be auctioned similarly to terrestrial telecom spectrum, a practice not followed in any other market where Starlink currently operates. Reliance cited the resolution of the 2G spectrum case in the Supreme Court, which mandated that all scarce natural resources be allocated through auctions. Jio entered India's competitive telecom market in 2016 with no existing customer base. Within a decade, it gained the trust of over 530 million customers, offering some of the best digital infrastructure and most affordable data in the world. The company welcomed competition in satellite communications, including Starlink, and stressed that all players, including Jio, must serve the people of India and comply with local laws and policies.