Reliance Welcomes Starlink, Says All Players Must Comply With Indian Laws Amid Musk’s Jabs

Reliance Industries has said it welcomes competition in India’s satellite communications sector, including Elon Musk’s Starlink, while stressing that all companies must comply with Indian laws and regulatory requirements.

In its first official response to Musk’s recent remarks about the Indian market and Reliance chairman Mukesh Ambani, the company said competition should be determined by the quality of services offered to consumers rather than allegations of market obstruction.

“We welcome competition in satellite communications, including Starlink. Every player, Jio included, must serve the people of India and abide by the laws and policies of the land,” Reliance said in a statement posted on social media.

What Did Elon Musk Say About Reliance?

The response came after Musk, the chief executive of SpaceX, accused unnamed powerful business interests in India of attempting to delay Starlink’s entry into the country.

Musk subsequently took aim at Ambani on social media, questioning his influence in India with the remark, “Is Ambani the real boss of India?”

His comments brought renewed attention to the regulatory hurdles facing Starlink as it seeks to launch its satellite-based internet services in one of the world’s largest telecommunications markets.

Reliance Says Jio Is Also Awaiting Clearances

Reliance said its own satellite internet plans through Jio were also awaiting the necessary government clearances. The company maintained that the regulatory process applies equally to Indian and foreign applicants.

“As the Government of India has stated, it applies the same process to every applicant, Indian or foreign,” the company said.

Reliance also highlighted Jio’s entry into India’s highly competitive telecommunications market in 2016, saying the company had grown from having no customers to serving more than 530 million users.

The company said it welcomed investment and innovation, whether domestic or international, provided they improved people’s lives and operated within India’s legal framework.

Starlink’s India Launch Awaits Regulatory Process

Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, aims to provide high-speed connectivity, including in remote and underserved areas where conventional broadband infrastructure can be difficult to deploy.

However, its commercial rollout in India remains subject to the required regulatory and security clearances. The government has maintained that satellite communication providers must meet the applicable requirements before commencing services.

The dispute has also drawn attention to the emerging competition between established telecom operators and satellite internet providers seeking access to India’s growing connectivity market.

A Debate Over Competition and Regulation

Reliance’s statement seeks to counter Musk’s allegations while presenting the company as open to new entrants in the satellite communications sector. Musk, meanwhile, has raised concerns about the time taken for Starlink to enter the Indian market.

The central question remains whether satellite internet providers can secure the necessary approvals and begin operations while meeting India’s regulatory and security requirements.

For consumers, the entry of additional providers could eventually expand connectivity options. The timing and extent of that benefit will depend on regulatory approvals, service availability, pricing and the ability of providers to reach underserved regions.