Starlink: Musk mocks Ambani as ‘Prime Minister’ over entry blockage in India

Elon Musk, the billionaire behind SpaceX, has criticized business magnate Mukesh Ambani, referring to him as "Prime Minister Ambani" in a statement on his X social media platform. Musk claimed that Ambani is attempting to maintain a monopoly in India's telecommunications industry. The SpaceX founder argued that permitting Starlink to operate would broaden internet access to underprivileged regions of India.

Musk apologized for not recognizing Ambani's dominant position in the country, stating, "Please accept my humble apologies for not realizing that you are the real boss of India." Musk appealed to Starlink to be granted the opportunity to compete in the market. He emphasized the lack of internet access in many parts of India, stating, "There are many areas of India, as there are in all countries, with no Internet access, which denies children the opportunity for education and small businesses the opportunity to sell their goods to a global market."

Despite Musk's claims, the Indian government has refuted allegations of a telecommunications monopoly. Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia stated at a media briefing that India does not permit monopolies in any sector.