New Delhi: Elon Musk intensified his public debate over Starlink’s entry into India on Friday, taking a sarcastic swipe at industrialist Mukesh Ambani by calling him “Prime Minister Ambani” and accusing him of trying to maintain a monopoly in the country’s satellite internet market.
In a post on X, Musk questioned whether Ambani would allow competition from Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by Musk’s SpaceX.
His remarks came hours after Union communications minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said India did not permit monopolies in any sector. Scindia also said three companies had received satellite communication (satcom) licences and could begin operations after individually meeting security requirements and completing the necessary regulatory procedures.
The exchange highlights the debate over competition in India’s emerging satellite internet sector, where Starlink’s proposed entry could bring another provider into the market.
While Musk has questioned the prospect of restrictions on competition, the government has maintained that companies must meet the applicable licensing and security requirements before launching services.
