Revanth Reddy backs Starlink, says country can’t afford to weaken Brand India

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Thursday called for India to welcome innovative satellite internet technologies, saying the country could not afford to damage its global reputation to appease vested business interests.

His remarks came amid a controversy over Starlink's satellite internet services after US billionaire Elon Musk alleged that domestic business interests were preventing the company from operating in India. Musk had questioned whether Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani was the "real boss of India".

In a post on X, Reddy said Congress governments had consistently supported the digitisation and modernisation of India. He cited the introduction of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and the adoption of mobile-based digital payments infrastructure during the Congress-led UPA-2 government's tenure in 2012-13.

"India should welcome innovative solutions in cutting edge internet systems and cannot afford to weaken Brand India globally to appease crony distractions," he said.

Reddy's remarks came in response to a cryptic post by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on X, which said, "Welcome to India, Elon. Wait till you discover the other guy."

The Centre rejected Musk's allegations that Starlink's satellite communication services were being blocked by domestic business interests. It maintained that compliance with security requirements was mandatory for every satellite communication service provider seeking a licence to operate in the country.  (with inputs from PTI)