Elon Musk’s “Prime Minister Ambani” jibe: Starlink chief swaps compliance for sarcasm as row escalates

Elon Musk sarcastically calls Mukesh Ambani “Prime Minister” and shares reports of donations to the BJP. Read how the Starlink row escalated and what the government said

PGurus Newsdesk

October 10, 2026

Government: rules apply to everyone. Musk: sarcasm and donation reports on X. Here’s the Starlink row, explained

Musk Skips the Security Checklist, Posts Sarcasm Instead, as Starlink Row Escalates

Instead of answering the government’s rebuttal, Elon Musk has chosen to escalate. He sarcastically addressed industrialist Mukesh Ambani as “Prime Minister Ambani” on X and accused him of protecting a monopoly.

A sarcastic post, hours after the government’s response

Musk’s latest salvo came hours after Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said India does not allow monopolies in any sector. Scindia said that despite the buzz around one “particular” company, three players have received satcom licences and can begin operations once they individually meet security requirements and milestones. The government also made clear that showing compliance with security norms is a must for every satcom licensee in the country.

Musk’s reply on Friday was a mocking post. He wrote: “Dear Prime Minister Ambani, Please accept my humble apologies for not realizing that you are the real boss of India,” then accused Ambani of preferring “monopolistic exploitation” and asked whether he would let Starlink compete.

Dear Prime Minister Ambani,
Please accept my humble apologies for not realizing that you are the real boss of India.
Naturally, you would prefer to maintain your monopolistic exploitation of the great people of India, but would you nonetheless consider allowing Starlink to compete?
There are many areas of India, as there are in all countries, with no Internet access, which denies children the opportunity for education and for small businesses the opportunity to sell their goods to a global market. Starlink would change their lives for the better.
Thank you 🙏
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 9, 2026

The history Musk skipped

The public attacks sit awkwardly with the partnerships Starlink signed with the same Indian players. In March 2025, Ambani’s Jio Platforms signed a deal with SpaceX to offer Starlink’s service to its customers, a day after Bharti Airtel signed a similar pact. Jio planned to sell Starlink equipment through its retail outlets and online storefronts, with the deal subject to SpaceX receiving its own authorisation in India.

That authorisation, as the government has repeatedly said, depends on meeting security norms. Back in November 2024, Scindia had said Starlink had yet to comply with security norms and that a licence would be issued only after it met all requirements.

Where things stand

The government’s position is that licences go to companies that meet the rules, whatever their size or fame. Musk’s position, put on social media, is that powerful business interests are keeping him out. The public has seen one side file paperwork and the other post sarcasm.

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