Business · Companies · 1 hr ago
Musk accuses Ambani of blocking Starlink’s entry into India
Elon Musk accused Mukesh Ambani of keeping Starlink out of India to protect the market for Jio, Reliance’s telecom service.
Musk made the accusation in posts on X on October 9, mocking Ambani as India’s real “boss” and asking him to let Starlink compete.
Starlink is SpaceX’s satellite internet service, which needs Indian authorisation before it can operate.
SpaceX has a government authorisation, but security clearances are still pending, according to the reports cited in the coverage.
In March 2025, SpaceX agreed with Jio Platforms to explore making Starlink available through Jio’s retail channels, subject to the required approvals.
The agreement’s future is unclear after Musk’s public attack on Ambani.
Musk says Starlink could give Indian customers more choices and help connect underserved areas, while critics point to its higher costs and objected to his remarks about India’s government.
Elon Musk accused Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani of helping keep Starlink out of India to protect Jio.
Musk mocked Ambani on X as the “real boss of India” and asked him for permission to let Starlink compete.
Musk said Starlink could help close connectivity gaps and provide more choices for Indian customers.
Starlink’s entry still depends on Indian approvals, with security clearances pending, according to The Hindu.
The dispute comes as Jio Platforms is preparing for an initial public offering, The Hindu reported.
- Who
- Elon Musk accused Mukesh Ambani, chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries, of obstructing Starlink’s entry into India.
- What
- Musk alleged that Ambani was helping keep Starlink out of the Indian market to favour Jio.
- When
- Musk posted about Ambani on October 9 and October 11; the articles were published on October 13 and 14, 2026.
- Where
- India, in posts on X and in the dispute over access to its satellite internet market.
- Why
- Musk said competition would give Indian customers more choices and accused Ambani of protecting Jio. Ambani’s view is not stated.
Elon Musk
Mukesh Ambani
Market access
Elon Musk
Musk accused Ambani of playing a role in keeping Starlink out of India to favour Jio.
Mukesh Ambani
Ambani’s response is not stated.
Competition and pricing
Elon Musk
Musk said competition would give Indian customers more choices and that Starlink would need affordable pricing if it was too expensive.
Mukesh Ambani
Ambani’s response is not stated.
SpaceX announced a partnership with Jio Platforms to explore offering Starlink broadband in India, subject to separate authorisations.
Musk posted on X addressing Ambani as “Prime Minister Ambani” and accused him of wanting to maintain a monopoly.
Musk posted that competition would give Indian customers more choices and said prices would be adjusted accordingly.
The Hindu published an account of the dispute and Starlink’s approval status.
The New York Times published a report on Musk’s accusation and Starlink’s efforts to obtain permission to operate in India.
- Accused
- Elon Musk accused Mukesh Ambani of helping keep Starlink out of India.
- Companies
- Reliance Industries; Jio Platforms; SpaceX
- Partnership
- SpaceX and Jio Platforms announced an agreement in March 2025.
- Approval status
- The Hindu reported that security clearances were pending.
- Musk posts
- October 9 and October 11
- Jio IPO
- The Hindu reported that Jio Platforms was preparing for an IPO expected later that month.
3 sources
What people are saying
not realising that you are the real boss of India
Ambani’s profits will be lower, but he is not going out of business.
so SpaceX will need to make pricing affordable