Reliance Welcomes Starlink Competition Breaks Silence, Says Same Rules Must Apply to All

October 16, 2026

New Delhi: Reliance Industries has broken its silence on the debate over Starlink’s entry into India’s satellite internet market, saying it welcomes competition but expects the same rules to apply to Indian and foreign companies.

In a statement posted on X, the company said India has encouraged investment and innovation from both domestic and international businesses, but stressed that every applicant must follow the law. Reliance also pointed out that Jio’s own satellite services are still awaiting clearances.

The response comes after SpaceX CEO Elon Musk accused vested interests of blocking Starlink’s entry into the Indian market.

Reliance Points to Jio’s Growth Since 2016

Reliance cited Jio’s entry into India’s telecom sector in 2016 as an example of its approach to competition. The company said Jio entered an already crowded market without any customers and won over 530 million users in the following decade by offering affordable data and digital services.

Reliance said it has never feared competition and sees it as a test of which company serves customers best. It also highlighted the role of Jio in expanding digital infrastructure and making data more affordable for Indian consumers.

The company reiterated that it supports investment and innovation, whether homegrown or international, as long as businesses operate within the country’s legal framework.

Starlink and Other Players Must Follow Indian Laws

Reliance said it welcomes competition in satellite communications, including from Starlink. It added that every company operating in the sector, including Jio, must serve Indian consumers and comply with the country’s laws and policies.

The company did not argue against Starlink entering India, but stressed that the same approval process should apply to every applicant, regardless of whether it is Indian or foreign.

Government Says No Monopoly in Satellite Internet

Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has also said there is no question of allowing a monopoly in India’s satellite communications sector. According to the minister, three applicants are awaiting final approval for commercial licences.

Scindia said the government is nearing a final decision on the pricing framework for satellite communication services. He also made clear that all licensed operators, including Starlink, must meet security requirements before beginning commercial operations.

The final approvals and pricing framework will be important steps in determining how satellite internet services expand in India.