‘Dear PM Ambani… Please Allow Starlink’: Elon Musk Renews ‘Real Boss of India’ Jibe at Mukesh Ambani
Elon Musk has taken another swipe at Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani over the delay in launching Starlink’s satellite internet services in India, sarcastically questioning Ambani’s alleged influence over the country’s telecommunications sector.
In a pointed post on X, the SpaceX chief addressed the Indian government as “Prime Minister Ambani” and apologised for failing to recognise him as the “real boss of India”.
“Dear Prime Minister Ambani, Please accept my humble apologies for not realizing that you are the real boss of India,” Musk wrote.
Taking another dig at Ambani, he added, “Naturally, you would prefer to maintain your monopolistic exploitation of the great people of India, but would you nonetheless consider allowing Starlink to compete?”
Musk Says Starlink Could Bridge India’s Digital Divide
Musk argued that satellite-based internet services could help bridge India’s digital divide by connecting remote and underserved areas.
He said that a lack of internet access deprives children of educational opportunities and prevents small businesses from reaching global markets.
“There are many areas of India, as there are in all countries, with no Internet access, which denies children the opportunity for education and for small businesses the opportunity to sell their goods to a global market. Starlink would change their lives for the better,” he wrote.
Musk has previously alleged that unnamed “oligarchs” are obstructing Starlink’s entry into India to protect their market positions.
He has claimed that the company has spent five years complying with Indian laws and regulations but is still awaiting final approvals to begin commercial operations. However, he has not provided evidence that any individual or company is deliberately blocking Starlink’s entry into the country.
Musk has also argued that his company’s services have played a crucial role in saving lives during natural disasters around the world.
Why Is Starlink Interested in India?
India represents a major growth opportunity for satellite broadband providers, particularly because internet connectivity remains unevenly distributed between urban and rural areas.
According to data released by the Ministry of Communications, India had approximately 1.093 billion internet subscribers in March 2026.
However, rural internet density stood at 48.31 connections per 100 people, compared with 126.80 in urban areas, highlighting the significant connectivity gap between the two regions.
Starlink, operated by Musk’s SpaceX, aims to provide satellite-based internet connectivity, particularly in remote locations where conventional mobile networks and fibre-optic infrastructure may be difficult or expensive to deploy.
The company has been preparing for a potential launch in India and has been working towards meeting infrastructure and security requirements. However, it must complete the necessary regulatory processes before it can begin commercial operations.
Indian Government Rejects Allegations of Favouritism
The Indian government has rejected allegations that powerful business interests are preventing Starlink from entering the market.
Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has maintained that India does not permit monopolies and that satellite communication operators must comply with the country’s security and regulatory requirements.
Starlink, Reliance Jio’s satellite communications venture and Eutelsat OneWeb, backed by Bharti Airtel, have all been navigating the approval process for satellite-based services in India.
Security clearances and the framework for satellite spectrum allocation remain key requirements before commercial operations can begin.
Musk’s latest remarks have once again brought the debate over competition, regulatory approvals and market dominance in India’s telecommunications sector into the spotlight.
