**Durov Accuses Reliance of Sabotaging Telegram Amid Indian Government Restrictions**
In a recent statement, Pavel Durov, the Russian-born founder of the messaging platform Telegram, has accused the Indian multinational conglomerate Reliance Industries and the messaging app WhatsApp of orchestrating a "lobbying effort" to impose restrictions on Telegram in India. Durov's comments come as Telegram faces temporary bans imposed by the Indian government ahead of the rescheduled National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Undergraduate (NEET-UG) on June 21, 2026.
Durov's allegations were made public on Tuesday, where he claimed that Reliance was intentionally disrupting access to Telegram for users outside of India, including those in the UAE, through a method known as BGP hijacking. He suggested that this action was part of a competitive strategy, given that Reliance has ties to Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, which is the leading messaging app in India.
"Indian telecom Reliance is sabotaging access to Telegram for millions of users OUTSIDE India via a rogue method called BGP hijacking," Durov stated. He emphasized that the sabotage appeared intentional, as Reliance had reportedly ignored multiple reports regarding the issue. Durov's post included what he claimed were hacking logs as evidence of the alleged sabotage, although these logs referenced Reliance Communications (RCom), a bankrupt subsidiary of the Anil Ambani group, rather than Reliance Industries itself, which is owned by Mukesh Ambani.
The distinction between the two entities has not gone unnoticed, with users on social media pointing out that Mukesh Ambani is the elder brother of Anil Ambani. This clarification raises questions about the accuracy of Durov's claims and the validity of his accusations against Reliance.
The Indian government’s restrictions on Telegram were enacted following recommendations from the National Testing Agency (NTA), which oversees the NEET-UG exam. The NTA's decision to restrict the app was prompted by concerns over potential cheating and the dissemination of false information regarding question paper leaks. The NEET-UG exam, which is crucial for admission to medical courses in India, was previously cancelled due to these alleged leaks, necessitating a retest.
As part of the restrictions, Telegram has been barred from operating until June 22, and the platform has been instructed to disable its message-editing feature until June 30. The NTA has stated that these measures are essential to prevent "cheating rackets" from exploiting the platform during the examination period.
In response to the escalating situation, Telegram has filed an appeal with the Delhi High Court, seeking to challenge the government's temporary restrictions. The court has agreed to hear the matter on an "urgent basis," indicating the seriousness of the issue for both the platform and its users.
The controversy surrounding the ban has sparked significant discussions on social media, with many students and parents expressing concern over the integrity of the examination process. While Durov's accusations have garnered attention, the primary focus for those affected appears to be on ensuring that the authorities take effective measures to prevent any future question paper leaks.
As of now, Reliance Industries, Meta, and RCom have not publicly commented on Durov's allegations. The outcome of Telegram's appeal and the ongoing discussions surrounding the NEET-UG exam will likely continue to unfold in the coming days, as stakeholders from various sectors watch closely for developments in this high-profile case.