Archive · 10 Oct 2026
Musk Intensifies Ambani Criticism Amid Starlink Delay and Allegations
Elon Musk wants to bring Starlink internet service to India, but it has not started there yet.
He criticised business leader Mukesh Ambani and asked why Starlink could not compete.
Musk also shared news reports alleging that Reliance-linked organisations supported BJP campaigns and that one company made political donations.
Those reports said Qwik Supply gave money to the BJP and the Shiv Sena through electoral bonds.
India’s communications minister said three companies have licences for satellite communications.
They can start service after meeting security requirements and other milestones.
The government says its rules are fair and apply without favouring one company.
Reliance had not publicly answered Musk’s allegations.
Elon Musk shared media reports alleging a Reliance-funded firm boosted BJP campaigns and a Reliance-linked company made political donations.
The reports cited donations by Qwik Supply of ₹385 crore to the BJP and ₹25 crore to the 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 are licensed and may begin operations after meeting requirements.
The government defended its authorisation framework as fair and non-discriminatory; Reliance had not publicly responded to Musk’s allegations.
- Who
- Elon Musk, Mukesh Ambani, Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, and Reliance-linked firms.
- What
- Musk shared reports alleging Reliance-linked political activity and criticised Ambani amid a delay in Starlink’s India launch.
- When
- Musk’s posts were reported on October 10, 2026; Scindia spoke on Friday during the India Mobile Congress.
- Where
- India; Musk made the posts on X.
- Why
- Musk alleges that powerful business interests are blocking Starlink to protect their market position; the government says providers must meet licensing, security, and other requirements.
Musk’s claims
Government’s position
Starlink’s delay and competition
Musk’s claims
Musk accused powerful business interests of blocking Starlink to protect a monopoly and asked Ambani to allow competition.
Government’s position
Scindia said India does not permit monopolies and that licensed providers can begin operations after meeting security conditions and milestones.
Fairness of licensing
Musk’s claims
Musk questioned why Starlink had not received permission, saying it had complied with Indian laws and requirements.
Government’s position
The government described its authorisation framework as fair and non-discriminatory and called claims of selective application baseless and misconceived.
- Reported date
- October 10, 2026
- Platform
- X
- Qwik Supply donations reported
- ₹385 crore to the BJP and ₹25 crore to the Shiv Sena through electoral bonds
- Licensed satellite providers
- Starlink, Jio Satcom, and Eutelsat OneWeb
- Other interested provider
- Amazon’s Project Kuiper has expressed interest and must follow the established procedure.
- Government position
- The authorisation framework is fair and non-discriminatory; providers can operate after meeting requirements.
- Reliance response
- Reliance had not publicly responded to Musk’s allegations.
