Elon Musk has intensified his criticism of Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani over delays in launching Starlink's satellite internet services in India. In a post on X on Friday, October 9, the SpaceX chief sarcastically addressed Ambani as “Prime Minister Ambani” and questioned whether the billionaire had excessive influence over India's telecommunications sector. Musk's remarks came amid an ongoing dispute over regulatory approvals required for Starlink to begin commercial operations in the country.
In his post, Musk accused Ambani of wanting to preserve the dominance of existing telecom businesses and urged him to allow Starlink to compete in the Indian market. He argued that satellite internet could improve connectivity in areas where conventional broadband and mobile networks remain unavailable or unreliable. Musk also linked the proposed service to wider opportunities for education and business, suggesting that better internet access could help students in remote communities and enable small businesses to reach international customers.
The latest remarks followed Musk's earlier questioning of why Starlink had not received all the necessary approvals despite years of engagement with Indian regulators. He had previously alleged that unnamed powerful business interests were obstructing the company's entry to protect their market positions. However, Musk has not provided publicly established evidence that Ambani or Reliance Industries is deliberately preventing Starlink from launching in India.
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The Indian government has rejected allegations of favouritism and maintained that the regulatory framework for satellite communications is fair and non-discriminatory. Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has emphasised that all operators must satisfy the required conditions before offering services. The government has also clarified that security assessments remain part of the approval process and apply to satellite communications companies seeking to operate in India.
Starlink, operated by SpaceX, is competing to enter a market that already includes satellite communication ventures backed by Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel. Although the companies have received relevant telecommunications licences, completing security requirements and obtaining the necessary spectrum-related approvals remain essential before commercial services can begin. The dispute has brought attention to the challenges of balancing competition, regulatory oversight and national security as India considers expanding satellite-based internet connectivity, particularly in underserved regions.
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