Elon Musk posted a series of screenshots on X on Friday evening, claiming that several firms backed by Mukesh Ambani had donated to the BJP. The images surfaced just hours after Musk labeled Ambani “Prime Minister Ambani” in a scathing tweet about Starlink’s entry into India.
In the earlier post, Musk questioned why Starlink, a subsidiary of his SpaceX, had not been granted a license, accusing Ambani of protecting a monopoly in the satellite‑internet market. He argued that Starlink could bridge digital gaps in remote areas, giving children access to education and small businesses a path to global markets. Musk also highlighted the company’s proven role in disaster response, citing instances where satellite links saved lives when terrestrial networks failed.
The Ministry of Communications issued a statement on Thursday that Starlink, Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio Satellite Communications are on a level playing field, all awaiting security clearances and spectrum allocation. Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia emphasized that India does not allow monopolies and that all three entities can start operations once regulatory milestones are met. The ministry did not name Musk specifically but denied the allegation of unfair treatment.
Akash Ambani, head of Reliance Jio Infocomm, declined to comment on the dispute, saying the company was focused on developing its own satellite‑communication technology and pursuing approvals. He added that the company’s priority is delivering value to Indian consumers, sidestepping the political rhetoric.
The next step will be the final security clearance and spectrum allocation, after which Starlink could launch commercial services in India. The regulatory decision is expected in the coming weeks, with stakeholders monitoring the outcome closely.