Elon Musk Questions Ambani as Starlink India Row Grows
Elon Musk has escalated his criticism over delays to Starlink’s India launch by directly questioning the influence of Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani, after the Indian government rejected Musk’s earlier allegations that powerful business interests were obstructing the satellite internet service.
Musk Questions Ambani’s Influence in India
Musk said Starlink had spent five years attempting to comply with Indian laws and regulatory requirements but had still not been able to begin commercial operations.
He then asked whether Ambani was the “real boss of India,” significantly sharpening his earlier criticism in which he accused unnamed “oligarchs” of maintaining a monopolistic hold over internet access.
Musk has not provided evidence showing that Ambani or Reliance has directly interfered with Starlink’s regulatory approvals.
Government Rejects Starlink Bias Allegations
India has rejected suggestions that Starlink is being unfairly blocked, maintaining that the country’s satellite communications framework is fair and non-discriminatory.
Starlink, Reliance Jio and Eutelsat OneWeb have all secured initial approvals but still require additional security clearances and spectrum allocation before full commercial services can begin.
The government has stressed that compliance with national security requirements is mandatory for every satellite communications operator.
Rahul Gandhi Joins Starlink Controversy
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi also entered the dispute, responding to Musk’s remarks by suggesting he would discover further examples of corporate influence in India.
Musk described Gandhi’s comment as “troubling.”
The controversy comes as competition intensifies in India’s emerging satellite broadband market. Reliance Jio is developing its own satellite communications operations, while Bharti Airtel has interests in OneWeb and has also announced cooperation with Starlink.
Starlink argues that its satellite network could expand high-speed connectivity to remote and underserved parts of India once regulatory requirements are completed.
