Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has launched a public attack on Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani, sarcastically addressing him as “Prime Minister Ambani” and accusing him of attempting to prevent Starlink from competing in India’s telecommunications market.
In a social media post on Friday (Oct. 9), Musk questioned Ambani’s influence over India’s telecommunications sector and criticised what he described as monopolistic practices.
“Dear Prime Minister Ambani, Please accept my humble apologies for not realizing that you are the real boss of India,” Musk wrote.
He went on to accuse Ambani of seeking to maintain his dominant position in the market while questioning whether Starlink would be allowed to compete.
“Naturally, you would prefer to maintain your monopolistic exploitation of the great people of India, but would you nonetheless consider allowing Starlink to compete?” Musk said.
Musk also highlighted the potential benefits of satellite internet services for millions of Indians who lack reliable internet connectivity.
He argued that expanding internet access would improve educational opportunities for children and allow small businesses to reach international markets.
“Starlink would change their lives for the better,” Musk added.
The remarks come amid competition over India’s satellite internet market, where Musk’s Starlink is seeking to expand its services.
Ambani, chairman of Reliance Industries, controls Reliance Jio, one of India’s largest telecommunications operators.
The Indian government has maintained that satellite internet providers must comply with regulatory and security requirements before launching commercial services. (Newswire)