Elon Musk intensifies attack on Ambani over Starlink India launch delay

SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service has encountered a delay in its launch in India, leading to a fresh attack from Elon Musk. The tech entrepreneur publicly accused billionaire Mukesh Ambani, the chairman of Reliance Industries, of wielding too much control over India's government and obstructing the satellite service. Musk took to X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, and mockingly referred to Ambani as the "prime minister" of India, suggesting that Ambani could block Starlink from competing against existing telecom providers.

Musk argued that Starlink could bring internet access to under-served areas, providing children with more learning opportunities and helping small businesses reach global customers. However, Reliance Jio, the telecom arm of Reliance Industries, did not comment on Musk's claims. Earlier this week, Musk alleged that unnamed "oligarchs" were blocking Starlink's launch in India to protect their business interests.

India's Ministry of Communications dismissed these allegations, stating that the country's regulatory framework for satellite communications is "fair and non-discriminatory." Musk then questioned Ambani's influence in a separate X post, asking if Ambani was "the real boss of India." India is a critical market for Musk, as the world's most populous country boasts over a billion internet users.

However, expanding Starlink in India has faced challenges due to powerful business figures such as Ambani, whose Reliance conglomerate holds significant influence. Despite securing key regulatory clearances, Starlink has not yet received the green light from New Delhi to commence commercial operations, as it is currently undergoing security assessments.

India's telecom ministry stated that all three licensed satellite operators, including Starlink, are at a similar regulatory stage and rejected Musk's claim of being singled out. Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, two other licensed satellite operators, are also seeking to launch their satellite internet services in India. Musk's attack on Ambani comes at a time when SpaceX is also facing challenges expanding Tesla in India.

The electric carmaker launched in India last year but has sold only 699 vehicles in its first 12 months, with the high import duties pushing the Model Y's launch price nearly double its U.S. price.