Days after trillionaire Elon Musk alleged that powerful business interests were obstructing Starlink’s entry into India, Bharti Enterprises Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal said Eutelsat OneWeb had applied five years ago and was still waiting for the government’s go-ahead.
“I think I am significantly ahead in the queue from him. “I have had my ground network ready for the last three years. My satellites have been hovering over India for the last five years. We don’t have the permission. So, we will be very happy to get it at least a few days before him,” he added.
At the Bloomberg New Economy Forum 2026, Mittal said OneWeb sought approval five years ago, with its ground infrastructure ready for three years and satellites positioned over India for about five years.
I applied five years back,” Mittal said, referring to Musk’s Starlink .
Government rejects allegations of bias
The government has maintained that satellite operators must follow the established process and meet the same applicable requirements before launching services.
Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has also said India does not permit monopolies in any sector. Speaking at the recent India Mobile Congress, Scindia said the Department of Telecommunications was technology-agnostic and intended to ensure that customers had access to a range of services.
Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi joined the exchange, replying, “Welcome to India, Elon. This is indeed troubling.
Wait till you discover the other guy,” to which Musk responded, “Thank you, Rahul. Musk subsequently intensified his criticism of Ambani, addressing him as “Prime Minister Ambani” and sharing reports about Reliance-linked donations to the BJP.
