Elon Musk Escalates Ambani Attack as Starlink India Launch Stalls
Elon Musk accuses Mukesh Ambani of blocking Starlink in India, while SpaceX and two rivals face equal security and spectrum reviews in India.
Summary
Elon Musk intensified his criticism of Reliance Industries chair Mukesh Ambani on Friday, mockingly calling him India’s “prime minister” after asking Thursday whether he was the country’s “real boss.” Musk accused Ambani and unnamed oligarchs of obstructing Starlink to protect commercial interests, arguing the service could connect unserved communities, support children’s education and help small businesses reach global customers. Reliance Jio did not immediately comment. India’s Ministry of Communications rejected claims of favoritism, while telecom minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said India allows no sector monopolies.
SpaceX has secured key clearances but still lacks approval for commercial Starlink service. The ministry said Starlink and two other licensed satellite operators remain at broadly the same regulatory stage, with security assessments required before spectrum assignment. SpaceX signed 2025 distribution agreements with Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel. Jio is pursuing satellite service through Luxembourg based SES, while Airtel is a major Eutelsat OneWeb shareholder. New Delhi previously adopted Starlink’s preferred administrative spectrum allocation instead of Jio’s proposed auction. India offers over a billion internet users, but Ambani’s Reliance owns its largest telecom operator and works with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government on major projects. Musk’s parallel India expansion also remains difficult: Tesla launched there in 2025 but registered only 699 vehicles during its first 12 delivery months. Import duties pushed the Model Y’s launch price to nearly twice its US price, and 2026 reductions have not eliminated the gap.
Positives
- SpaceX secured key regulatory clearances and signed 2025 Starlink distribution agreements with Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel.
- New Delhi selected administrative satellite spectrum allocation, the method preferred by Starlink over Jio’s auction proposal.
- Starlink could extend internet access to unserved areas, expand educational opportunities and connect small Indian businesses with global customers.
- All three licensed satellite operators are undergoing security assessments at broadly the same regulatory stage, according to the Ministry of Communications.
Risks & concerns
- Starlink still lacks final approval for commercial service after years of trying to enter India.
- Security assessments must be completed before Starlink and its two licensed rivals can receive satellite spectrum.
- Musk’s accusations against Mukesh Ambani and unnamed oligarchs have escalated the commercial dispute into a political confrontation.
- Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel are Starlink distribution partners but are also pursuing competing satellite services through SES and Eutelsat OneWeb.
- Tesla registered only 699 Indian vehicles in its first 12 delivery months, while import duties kept Model Y pricing far above US levels.