Elon Musk Escalates Attack on Mukesh Ambani, Shares Reports on Reliance's Alleged BJP Links Amid Starlink India Row
Elon Musk has intensified his criticism of Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, sharing media reports on X alleging links between Reliance-funded entities and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The latest posts come amid an ongoing dispute over the delayed launch of Starlink satellite internet services in India.
Musk's remarks have reignited debate over India's satellite communications licensing process, competition in the telecom sector, and the relationship between business and politics. The Indian government, however, maintains that the licensing framework is fair, transparent and non-discriminatory, while Reliance has not publicly responded to Musk's latest allegations.
Key Highlights
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Why Is Elon Musk Criticising Mukesh Ambani?
On October 10, Elon Musk shared screenshots of two previously published media reports on X.
The first referenced a 2022 Al Jazeera investigation, which alleged that a Reliance-funded firm helped boost BJP campaigns on Facebook.
The second cited an archived 2024 Indian Express report stating that Qwik Supply, a Reliance-linked company, donated ₹385 crore to the BJP and ₹25 crore to the Shiv Sena through electoral bonds.
Musk did not provide additional evidence beyond sharing the reports but used them to intensify his criticism of Reliance and the broader regulatory environment in India.
Musk Calls Ambani "Prime Minister Ambani"
Hours before sharing the reports, Musk posted another message on X in which he sarcastically referred to Mukesh Ambani as "Prime Minister Ambani."
He alleged that powerful business interests were preventing Starlink from entering the Indian market to preserve a monopoly.
Musk wrote that many rural parts of India continue to lack reliable internet connectivity and argued that Starlink could improve education, disaster response and digital access.
He also highlighted Starlink's use during natural disasters in different countries, claiming satellite internet has helped restore communications when conventional networks failed.
What Is the Starlink India Dispute?
Starlink, operated by SpaceX, has been seeking commercial approval to launch satellite broadband services in India.
According to Musk, the company has spent years complying with India's regulatory requirements and is licensed in more than 165 countries, yet commercial operations in India have not commenced.
Musk questioned why Starlink had not been allowed to begin services despite completing regulatory procedures.
The issue has become one of the most prominent disputes between Musk and Indian authorities in recent months.
What Has the Indian Government Said?
The Government of India has rejected suggestions that the licensing process favours any particular company.
Speaking during the India Mobile Congress 2026, Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said India does not permit monopolies in any sector.
According to the minister:
The government follows a technology-neutral policy.
Consumers should decide which service provider they prefer.
The Department of Telecommunications applies the same framework to all eligible companies.
Scindia also stated that licensing decisions are based on established regulatory procedures rather than corporate influence.
Which Companies Have Received Satellite Communication Licences?
According to the Communications Ministry, three companies have already secured satellite communication licences:
Starlink (SpaceX)
Jio Satcom (Reliance Jio)
Eutelsat OneWeb (Bharti-backed)
In addition, Amazon's Project Kuiper has expressed interest in entering the Indian satellite broadband market and will be required to complete the same regulatory process.
However, companies can begin commercial operations only after:
Meeting security requirements.
Receiving spectrum allocation.
Complying with all applicable licensing conditions.
Why Has Starlink Not Started Operations Yet?
Although Starlink has obtained a licence, commercial rollout depends on additional regulatory approvals.
The government has indicated that:
The pricing framework for satellite spectrum is still under consideration.
Spectrum assignment will follow final policy decisions.
Security compliance remains mandatory before services can commence.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and the Department of Telecommunications are reportedly close to finalising the satellite spectrum pricing framework.
Political Reactions
The controversy has also drawn political attention.
During the India Mobile Congress, Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia criticised the Congress party over its stance regarding Musk and satellite licensing.
He remarked that the opposition had taken inconsistent positions on the issue while reiterating that government policy remains technology-neutral.
Meanwhile, Musk's posts have generated significant debate on social media regarding competition, market access and regulation in India's telecom sector.
Why This Matters
The dispute extends beyond Starlink's market entry.
It raises broader questions regarding:
Competition in India's satellite internet market.
Telecom regulation and spectrum allocation.
Digital connectivity in rural India.
The future of satellite broadband services.
Relations between global technology companies and Indian regulators.
India is expected to become one of the world's largest satellite broadband markets over the coming decade, making regulatory decisions particularly significant for both domestic and international companies.
What's Next?
Several developments are expected in the coming weeks:
Finalisation of satellite spectrum pricing by TRAI and the Department of Telecommunications.
Completion of security clearances for licensed operators.
Possible response from Reliance Industries regarding Musk's allegations.
Progress toward the commercial launch of satellite broadband services in India.
Until then, the public dispute between Elon Musk and Mukesh Ambani is likely to remain in focus.
Elon Musk's latest posts have escalated his criticism of Mukesh Ambani and Reliance Industries by highlighting media reports related to political campaigning and electoral donations. The comments come amid his ongoing frustration over delays in Starlink's commercial launch in India.
While Musk argues that regulatory hurdles are preventing fair competition, the Indian government maintains that its licensing framework applies equally to all companies. As satellite communications become increasingly important for India's digital infrastructure, upcoming regulatory decisions are expected to shape the future of the sector.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Why is Elon Musk criticising Mukesh Ambani?
Musk alleges that powerful business interests are preventing Starlink from launching in India and recently shared media reports concerning Reliance-linked companies and political funding.
Q2. What reports did Musk share?
He shared screenshots of a 2022 Al Jazeera report about a Reliance-funded firm's alleged role in BJP social media campaigns and an archived 2024 Indian Express report regarding political donations by a Reliance-linked company.
Q3. Has Reliance responded?
As of now, Reliance Industries has not publicly responded to Musk's latest social media posts.
Q4. Has Starlink received a licence in India?
Yes. According to the Indian government, Starlink has obtained a satellite communication licence but must complete additional regulatory requirements before launching services.
Q5. Which companies have satcom licences in India?
The government says Starlink, Jio Satcom and Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb have received licences, while Amazon's Project Kuiper is pursuing approval.
Q6. What has the government said?
Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has stated that India follows a technology-neutral policy, does not permit monopolies and applies the same licensing framework to all companies.
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