Musk Calls Ambani ‘Prime Minister’ Amid Controversy Over Starlink’s Satellite Internet Approval in India

Mr. Elon Musk, the American tech entrepreneur, mocked Indian industrialist Mr. Mukesh Ambani by calling him “Prime Minister.” This came amid a dispute over approval for satellite internet service in India. Mr. Musk alleges that powerful businessmen are blocking the chance for Starlink, the satellite internet service of his company SpaceX, to compete. He says they do this to keep their market dominance. Mr. Musk gave no proof for the claim. The Indian government has rejected the charge of discriminatory treatment.

In a post on the social media platform X the day before yesterday, Mr. Musk wrote, “Dear Prime Minister Mr. Ambani, please accept my humble apology for not realising that you are the real controller of India.” He then asked whether Mr. Ambani will let Starlink compete in the Indian market. He also asked whether Mr. Ambani will want to keep a monopoly.

Starlink, owned by Mr. Musk’s SpaceX, provides internet service through satellites. The company says it will bring connections to remote areas of India that lack internet access. Mr. Musk claims students will get the chance to learn online once this service starts. He also says small traders will be able to connect with the international market. He added that Starlink can help save lives when natural disasters knock out regular communication systems.

Earlier this week, Mr. Musk posted on X that some powerful billionaires are blocking Starlink from entering India. He said they do this to hold on to their monopoly. He also said this situation goes against the interest of the Indian people. The next day, he asked why Starlink’s commercial launch in India is still not complete. He noted that Starlink already has approval to serve in more than 165 countries.

In reply to Mr. Musk’s claims, India’s Ministry of Communications said the approval framework for the telecom sector is fair, neutral and free of discrimination. This covers satellite communication too. The ministry rejected as baseless the claims that any company is getting unfair benefits or facing discrimination. The government also said the security review of three satellite communication companies is still going on.

India’s Communications Minister Mr. Jyotiraditya Scindia also spoke the day before yesterday. He said the country does not allow monopoly in any sector. He said three companies, including Starlink, have received approval, but they must meet security conditions before they start commercial work. He said India’s Ministry of Home Affairs will take the final decision on this.

Three companies are competing to launch satellite communication service in India. They are Mr. Elon Musk’s SpaceX Starlink, Eutelsat OneWeb backed by Mr. Sunil Bharti Mittal, and Reliance Jio Satellite Communications of Mr. Mukesh Ambani. The companies are at different stages of the approval process. Besides security clearance, they must also complete the spectrum allocation process before they start commercial service.

The dispute over Starlink’s entry into India has started fresh talks about competition in the country’s telecom market. It has also raised talks about regulation and the influence of big business groups. However, Mr. Musk’s claims against Mr. Ambani or his company are still not proven. The Indian government says the same rules and security checks apply to all companies.