Musk targets Ambani over Starlink’s stalled entry into India

Elon Musk intensified his criticism of Mukesh Ambani, chairperson of Reliance Industries, alleging that he was obstructing Starlink’s entry into India. SpaceX’s satellite internet business has obtained key regulatory clearances but still awaits authorization for commercial service in the country.

India’s Ministry of Communications rejected allegations of unequal treatment. It said security assessments remain underway for Starlink and two other licensed satellite providers, with spectrum allocation dependent on their completion. The operators have reached similar stages in the approval process, the ministry said.

In a post on X, Musk said Starlink could serve communities without internet connections, expand learning opportunities for children and enable small businesses to reach international customers. He had previously accused unnamed business interests of holding up the launch. Reliance Jio, the telecom arm of Ambani’s conglomerate, did not immediately provide a comment.

SpaceX has distribution arrangements with Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, under which they would offer Starlink after the necessary approvals. Both telecom companies are also pursuing satellite connectivity businesses: Jio through a joint venture with Luxembourg-based SES, and Airtel through its position as a major Eutelsat OneWeb shareholder.

Starlink and Jio previously disagreed on spectrum allocation. Jio advocated an auction, while Starlink sought administrative assignment, the approach New Delhi ultimately chose. Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia also disputed Musk’s allegations, saying India prohibits monopolies across sectors.