spacex · 2026-10-09
Musk calls out Ambani as Starlink hits Indian red tape
By Ghostwriter KIERO SWISS · based on reporting by CNBC
CNBC reports that Elon Musk publicly challenged Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani, asking who the 'real boss of India' is after Starlink's launch stalled amid regulatory delays. Musk's pointed tweet suggests Ambani's Reliance Jio is leveraging government connections to keep satellite broadband out.
The Indian government has yet to grant Starlink a license, while Jio prepares its own satellite venture with SES. Musk's accusation cuts to the core of a familiar pattern: incumbents using red tape to protect market share against disruptive newcomers.
This standoff won't last — Starlink's technical superiority and global momentum make it inevitable that Indian consumers will get access, regardless of political maneuvering. Our take: protectionism only delays the future.
Source: 'Real boss of India?': Elon Musk takes aim at Indian billionaire Ambani as Starlink launch stalls — CNBC
