Elon Musk Targets Mukesh Ambani Over Stalled Starlink Approval

Elon Musk has questioned the influence of billionaire Mukesh Ambani over India's satellite broadband approval process. The US tech executive asked on social media whether Ambani is "the real boss of India".

His remarks followed delays in getting local operating permits for his satellite venture, Starlink.

The controversy began on Wednesday when Musk claimed that "certain oligarchs" were working to block Starlink. When asked about their identities, Musk posted, "You can guess who they are."

On Thursday, Musk renewed his attack on X. He stated that Starlink holds licenses in more than 165 countries worldwide. He emphasized that his firm spent five years complying with every single Indian regulation.

"Why still no licence? Is Ambani the real boss of India?" Musk asked.

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Musk argued that opposing Starlink harms underserved rural citizens who lack reliable connectivity. He noted that wealthy city dwellers already enjoy fast internet. Therefore, they do not understand the problems faced by remote populations.

Musk said no country has perfect coverage, including the United States. However, he maintained that satellite services can bridge gaps for people with poor mobile reception.

The Department of Telecom firmly rejected Musk's claims. Officials stated that "India's regulatory framework for satellite communication services is fair and non-discriminatory."

The government explained that mandatory security reviews are underway for all three major contenders. These firms include Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Jio, Starlink, and Sunil Bharti Mittal's Eutelsat OneWeb.

All three entities are at broadly the same regulatory stage the government noted. Officials added that each licensed operator can seek spectrum assignment once security reviews finish.

The dispute quickly triggered a political exchange online. Congress MP and leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi responded to Musk on X. "Welcome to India, Elon.

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Wait till you discover the other guy." Gandhi wrote.

Musk replied to the opposition leader, posting, "Thank you, Rahul. This is indeed troubling."

Meanwhile, rival operators addressed their satellite plans at the India Mobile Congress. Bharti Airtel chairman Sunil Bharti, Mittal said. Eutelsat OneWeb is also awaiting approvals to start operations.

Reliance Jio chairman Akash Ambani confirmed his company is making rapid progress. He did not give a launch date. "What we are promising is that every Indian home will have a broadband connection that they can connect to," Akash, Ambani said.