NEW DELHI, OCT 10: Elon Musk has intensified his criticism of industrialist Mukesh Ambani amid the ongoing dispute over the launch of Starlink satellite internet services in India, sharing media reports on X concerning a Reliance-linked firm’s alleged role in BJP social media campaigns and political donations.
Musk’s latest post featured a 2022 Al Jazeera report titled “How a Reliance-funded firm boosts BJP’s campaigns on Facebook” and an archived 2024 report by The Indian Express concerning Qwik Supply, a Reliance-linked company. The report stated that the company donated ₹385 crore to the BJP and ₹25 crore to the Shiv Sena through electoral bonds.
The development comes amid Musk’s allegations that powerful business interests are attempting to restrict Starlink’s entry into the Indian market to protect existing players. Reliance has not publicly responded to the latest allegations, while the government has rejected suggestions that its regulatory framework for telecom and satellite services is being applied selectively.
Earlier, Musk addressed Ambani as “Prime Minister Ambani” in a post on X, accusing him of seeking to maintain a monopoly in India’s satellite internet sector. He also questioned whether Ambani would allow Starlink to compete in the country.
Musk argued that satellite internet could benefit millions of people in areas with limited connectivity, providing children with better access to education and helping small businesses reach global markets. He also highlighted Starlink’s role in restoring communications and supporting emergency services during natural disasters.
Meanwhile, Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia reiterated that India does not permit monopolies in any sector. He said the government follows a technology-neutral approach and allows consumers to choose from available services in a competitive market.
Scindia stated that three companies—Elon Musk’s Starlink, Reliance Jio’s satellite venture Jio Satcom, and Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb—have obtained satellite communication licences. Amazon’s Project Kuiper has also expressed interest in entering the Indian market and would need to follow the prescribed regulatory process.
The minister clarified that licensed companies can begin operations after meeting the required security conditions and other regulatory milestones. Spectrum allocation will also depend on the government’s decision regarding the applicable pricing framework.
According to Scindia, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and the Department of Telecommunications are nearing a decision on the pricing mechanism for satellite communication spectrum.
Musk has separately questioned the delay in Starlink’s launch in India, stating that the company operates in more than 165 countries and has spent years complying with Indian government requirements.
The controversy unfolded alongside the India Mobile Congress in New Delhi, bringing renewed attention to satellite internet licensing, spectrum allocation, competition and the role of major business groups in India’s telecommunications sector.
The dispute continues as the government works towards finalising the regulatory framework for satellite communication services in the country.
