NEW DELHI: Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) has welcomed competition from Elon Musk’s Starlink and other companies in India’s satellite communications sector, while stressing that all players must comply with the country’s laws and existing regulations.
The statement comes amid an escalating war of words between Musk and Reliance chairman Mukesh Ambani over the delay in launching Starlink’s satellite-based broadband services in India.
In a statement posted on X, Reliance said India welcomes domestic and international investment and innovation, but the open market operates within the framework of the rule of law. The same regulatory process applies to all applicants, irrespective of whether they are Indian or foreign companies, it said.
Reliance also pointed out that its own satellite services have not yet received the necessary approvals, underlining that Jio is subject to the same regulatory requirements as other operators.
‘We have never feared competition’
The company said it had never been afraid of competition and believed that the real test was which provider delivered the best services to consumers.
Reliance cited Jio’s entry into India’s telecom market in 2016, saying the operator had since gained the trust of more than 530 million customers. It added that Jio had helped expand digital infrastructure and made data services more affordable for Indian consumers.
The company said it welcomed competition in satellite communications, including from Starlink, but maintained that every operator must serve consumers while complying with Indian laws and policies.
Musk accuses Reliance of protecting its position
Over the past week, Musk has accused Reliance of seeking to preserve its dominant position in India’s telecom sector and alleged that vested interests were obstructing Starlink’s entry into the market.
Arguing that greater competition would benefit consumers, Musk said established companies might see their profit margins shrink but would not necessarily face a threat to their businesses.
In a post on X, he said increased competition would give ordinary Indians more choices and benefits. While Ambani’s profits might decline, that would not mean his business would shut down, Musk argued.
Earlier, Musk had sarcastically referred to Ambani as “Prime Minister Ambani” and accused him of attempting to protect a monopoly. He also questioned whether Ambani would consider allowing Starlink to compete in India.
The dispute highlights the growing contest between traditional telecom operators and satellite internet providers seeking access to India’s vast broadband market. Starlink’s entry depends on securing the required regulatory clearances, while Reliance’s Jio is also seeking to expand its presence in satellite-based communications.
Statement from Reliance Industries
In light of recent remarks about Reliance and the Indian market, we wish to place the facts on record.
Like every Indian enterprise, Reliance has grown in an India that welcomes investment and innovation, homegrown or international, that improve the lives of the people.
That openness rests on the rule of law. As the Government of India has stated, it applies the same process to every applicant, Indian or foreign. Jio’s own satellite services await clearances.
At Reliance, we have never feared competition. We see it as the truest test of who serves the customer best. Jio itself entered India’s crowded telecom market in 2016 as the newest player, with not a single customer. In just ten years, Jio has earned the trust of over 530 million customers and given Indians some of the best digital infrastructure and most affordable data in the world.
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 Industries Limited (@RIL_Updates) October 16, 2026
