Tech billionaire Elon Musk has escalated his public spat with Indian industrialist Mukesh Ambani, sharing news reports detailing alleged political connections and funding between Reliance-linked entities and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The posts on X featured reports regarding social media promotion and political donations via electoral bonds. The outburst follows days of critical posts by Musk, who mockingly addressed Ambani as “Prime Minister Ambani” and accused him of protecting a monopoly that blocks Starlink’s satellite broadband launch in India.
Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia firmly rejected claims of market bias at the India Mobile Congress, emphasising that India does not permit monopolies. Scindia clarified that three entities—Starlink, Reliance Jio’s satellite unit, and Eutelsat OneWeb—hold licenses and can commence operations once security and pricing benchmarks are fulfilled.
While Reliance Jio Chairman Akash Ambani declined to comment on the controversy, Reliance has maintained a focus on customer service value. Musk reiterated that Starlink remains ready to serve remote Indian communities and assist during natural disasters once final clearance is granted.
