1 hr ago
Musk Escalates Ambani Criticism Amid Starlink Licensing Dispute
Elon Musk wants to offer Starlink internet service in India, but it has not started there.
He blamed powerful business interests and publicly criticised Mukesh Ambani.
Musk also shared news reports alleging that companies linked to Reliance supported BJP campaigns and made political donations.
The reports included claims about donations by Qwik Supply to the BJP and Shiv Sena.
India’s communications minister said three companies already have satellite-service licences.
He said they can begin operating after meeting security and other requirements.
The government said its rules are fair and do not favour one company.
Reliance had not publicly answered Musk’s latest allegations.
Elon Musk shared reports alleging links between Reliance-associated firms, BJP campaigning and political donations.
One report said Qwik Supply donated ₹385 crore to the BJP and ₹25 crore to Shiv Sena through electoral bonds.
Musk accused Mukesh Ambani of protecting a monopoly and questioned why Starlink had not begun service in India.
Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said three satellite-communications providers have licences and can start after meeting requirements.
The government said its authorisation framework is fair and non-discriminatory; Reliance had not publicly responded to Musk’s allegations.
- Who
- Elon Musk, Mukesh Ambani, Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Reliance-linked firms and the Indian government.
- What
- Musk criticised Ambani and shared reports alleging Reliance-linked political activity amid a dispute over Starlink’s launch in India.
- Where
- India; Musk made the posts on X.
- When
- Musk’s posts were reported on October 10, 2026; Scindia commented on Friday at the India Mobile Congress.
- Why
- Musk says Starlink is being blocked to protect established business interests; the government says providers must meet licensing, security and other requirements.
Musk’s claims
Government’s position
Competition and Starlink’s launch
Musk’s claims
Musk accused powerful business interests of blocking Starlink to protect a monopoly and asked Mukesh Ambani to allow competition.
Government’s position
Scindia said India does not permit monopolies and that licensed providers can operate after meeting security requirements and milestones.
Fairness of authorisation rules
Musk’s claims
Musk questioned why Starlink had not received permission to begin service despite saying it had complied with Indian laws and requirements.
Government’s position
The government said its authorisation framework is fair and non-discriminatory, and rejected claims that it is being applied selectively.
Key facts
- Date
- October 10, 2026
- Platform
- X
- Donation reported
- Qwik Supply reportedly donated ₹385 crore to the BJP and ₹25 crore to Shiv Sena through electoral bonds.
- Licensed satellite providers
- Starlink, Jio Satcom and Eutelsat OneWeb
- Additional interested company
- Amazon’s Project Kuiper had expressed interest and would need to follow the established procedure.
- Government position
- The authorisation framework is fair and non-discriminatory; providers must meet security requirements and milestones before operations.
- Reliance response
- Reliance had not publicly responded to Musk’s allegations.
Quotes
Elon Musk
Businessman and owner of Starlink
“Dear Prime Minister Ambani, Please accept my humble apologies for not realising that you are the real boss of India. Naturally, you would prefer to maintain your monopolistic exploitation of the great people of India, but would you nonetheless consider allowing Starlink to compete?”
thehindubusinessline.com
“Starlink is licensed in over 165 countries and has spent five years complying with every single law and requirement of the government of India, so why still no license?”
thehindubusinessline.com
Sources
Related news
Musk Calls Ambani ‘Prime Minister’ in Starlink India Dispute
Musk Targets Reliance Over BJP Donations Amid Starlink Entry Row
Musk Renews Ambani Attack Over Starlink’s India Approval
Musk Questions Ambani as Starlink Awaits India Security Clearance
Musk Targets Ambani Over Starlink’s India Market Entry
BJP Questions Rahul Gandhi as Musk Challenges Ambani’s Influence
Suvendu Threatens Action Over Bhattacharyya’s ‘Anti-Hindu’ Post
BJP Retains Nandigram Seat Amid Opposition Claims of Rigging
