Musk Presses Ambani as Starlink India Launch Awaits Security Reviews

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk continued criticizing Reliance Industries Chairperson Mukesh Ambani on Oct. 9, accusing him of favoring restrictions on competition as Starlink awaits required security reviews in India.

“Would you nonetheless consider allowing Starlink to compete?” Musk wrote in a post directed at Ambani. He accused the executive of preferring to preserve “monopolistic exploitation” of India’s population.

Musk also questioned Ambani’s influence in India in a separate post on Oct. 8, asking, “Is Ambani the real boss of India?”

India’s satellite communications framework is described as fair and non-discriminatory, while Starlink and two other licensed satellite operators undergo security assessments required before they can receive satellite spectrum. All three companies are at broadly the same regulatory stage.

India’s telecom minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said the country “does not allow a monopoly in any sector.”

Starlink has received some key regulatory approvals and signed distribution agreements with Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel. The service still has not completed the process required to obtain satellite spectrum and begin commercial operations in India.

The companies previously clashed over how satellite spectrum should be assigned. SpaceX supported administrative allocation, while Reliance Jio pushed for auctions. India ultimately chose administrative allocation.

Jio and Airtel are also pursuing satellite internet services. Jio operates a joint venture with Luxembourg-based SES, while Airtel is a major shareholder in Eutelsat OneWeb, which is seeking to offer satellite connectivity in India.

India previously rejected Musk’s discrimination claim as Starlink awaited clearance. The latest dispute leaves the timing of Starlink’s commercial launch dependent on the remaining security assessments.