Is Ambani the real boss of India, asks Elon Musk
Musk alleges oligarchs are blocking Starlink to protect monopolies, while the Centre says its India launch awaits security clearance from the MHA
SpaceX founder Elon Musk has intensified his criticism of the regulatory roadblocks delaying Starlink's launch in India, bringing Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani into the dispute. In a tweet, Musk asked whether Ambani is "the real boss of India" and questioned why the satellite internet company is still waiting for approval.
The SpaceX CEO said Starlink is licensed in over 165 countries and has spent five years complying with every single law and requirement of the government of India, and asked, “So why still no license?”
‘MHA looking into security-related issues’: Minister Pemmasani
Earlier, the Ministry of Home Affairs said it is looking into security-related issues with satcom services.
Speaking on the sidelines of India Mobile Congress 2026, Minister of State for Communications Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani said the Department of Telecom has issued licences to all satcom companies, along with provisional spectrum.
“Now the issue is pending with MHA for security clearance. As soon as it is cleared, they will get it. It has nothing to do with one company,” Pemmasani said.
Musk’s allegation about ‘certain oligarchs’
Earlier, Musk alleged that "certain oligarchs" have blocked his company's satellite communication services in India to maintain their monopoly in the country.
In a response to a post by the DogeDesigner handle on social media platform X about the non-availability of mobile coverage in over 11,000 villages, Musk wrote, "Unfortunately, we are being blocked by certain oligarchs in order to maintain their monopolistic chokehold on the Indian people. You can guess who they are... This is a crime against the people of India!"
Also Read: Centre rejects Elon Musk’s Starlink ‘Oligarchs’ allegation, says rules are fair
He denied allegations of Starlink services being used by militants in Manipur.
"Starlink beams are turned off over India, so the claim that they were used by anyone for any reason is absolutely false," Musk said.
In a series of posts on X, Musk claimed that "Starlink in India would enable high-speed, affordable internet connectivity for those who can't afford current prices or who don't have a connection at all!"
The US billionaire’s reaction came on the day India started its apex telecom sector event – India Mobile Congress (IMC).
‘Ready to start services in India’: SpaceX
A senior official of Musk-led SpaceX on Wednesday announced that the company's satcom arm is ready to start services in India.
Speaking at India Mobile Congress 2026, SpaceX's Starlink Business Operations Vice President Lauren Dreyer said the company has made an investment in setting up the required infrastructure to serve the Indian market.
“We've built our Starlink operations specifically for India in recognition of Indian security requirements and other regulations, establishing controls at every layer for India, and keeping Indian user data within India,” she said.
Also Read: Starlink says talks with India remain productive as it awaits final clearance
Dreyer said that Starlink has already made the investment and built the existing ground infrastructure in India, comprising 20 gateway sites with hundreds of antennas.
“We've established the operations to be ready to serve India," Dreyer said.
Indian telecom operators Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, and Vodafone Idea did not react to Musk's allegations. Bharti Airtel founder Sunil Bharti Mittal said his company is awaiting clearance as well. Reliance Jio Chairman Akash Ambani said he hasn't seen the comment and hence would not be able to share any view on the same.
(With Agency inputs)