Elon Musk has escalated his criticism of Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani over delays in launching SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service in India. On October 9, 2026, Musk accused Ambani—chairman of Reliance Industries, India’s largest telecom operator—of using undue influence to block Starlink from competing in the country’s internet market. Musk sarcastically referred to Ambani as the “prime minister” of India to imply that he wields significant control, hindering Starlink’s ability to provide broadband to underserved regions. Musk argues Starlink could boost learning opportunities for children and help small businesses connect globally if allowed to compete.

SpaceX has been trying for years to begin Starlink operations in India and secured distribution deals in 2025 with Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, pending regulatory approvals. Despite obtaining key regulatory clearances, Starlink has yet to receive final permission from the Indian government to start commercial service. Officials say Starlink and other satellite operators are undergoing security assessments and that the regulatory framework is fair and non-discriminatory, rejecting Musk’s claims of preferential treatment or monopoly. India’s telecom minister Jyotiraditya Scindia publicly countered Musk’s allegations, emphasizing that India does not allow monopolies in any sector.

Musk’s frustration extends beyond Starlink to Tesla’s slow growth in India, where high import duties have pushed Tesla vehicle prices to nearly double their U.S. costs. Competition with powerful domestic players like Ambani and challenges within India’s regulatory environment pose significant barriers for Musk’s companies entering the populous and strategically important Indian market. Earlier disputes between Starlink and Reliance Jio centered around the method of allocating satellite spectrum, with New Delhi opting for administrative allocation favorable to Starlink despite Jio’s preference for auctions.

The dispute highlights the broader tensions between emerging global tech giants and entrenched local conglomerates in India’s rapidly evolving telecom and internet sectors. With India poised as a critical market for satellite internet services and electric vehicles, Musk’s confrontational approach accentuates the challenge of navigating complex regulatory and political environments. While Musk calls for openness to competition for the benefit of millions of Indians, Reliance Jio’s expanding influence alongside government collaboration continues to shape the pace and nature of technological innovation in the country.