News · Consumer Internet & Media

Telegram accuses Reliance of disrupting service during India block

By Startup Enthusiast · 17 June 2026

What they do

Telegram is an encrypted messaging app used by millions globally for secure communication

Founder Pavel Durov accused Reliance Jio of BGP hijacking while India blocked Telegram over exam leaks

Jio denied involvement in the routing changes that affected users outside India during the temporary ban

Telegram founder Pavel Durov accused Reliance of disrupting access via BGP hijacking.
The Indian government temporarily blocked Telegram until June 22 due to NEET re-examination leak concerns.
Durov claimed Reliance-linked networks changed internet routing affecting users outside India.
Researchers said routing changes appeared to originate from a network linked to Reliance Communications.
Reliance Jio denied involvement and clarified it was not part of any such incident.
Durov criticized the block saying it affects millions without addressing the leak root cause.
Exact source of routing changes remains unclear with independent verification still awaited.

Durov hinted at a competitive angle noting Meta invested in Jio Platforms.
WhatsApp serves as a direct rival to Telegram in the messaging market.
The incident highlights tensions between global platforms and local regulatory actions.