Elon Musk has taken another swipe at Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani over delays in the launch of Starlink’s satellite internet service in India, sarcastically addressing the business tycoon as the country’s “real boss” and questioning whether the company would be allowed to compete in the market.

In a post on X on Friday, Musk began by apologising sarcastically for not realising that Ambani was “the real boss of India”. He then accused the businessman of preferring to maintain what he described as the “monopolistic exploitation” of Indians and asked whether he would allow Starlink to compete.

Musk argued that satellite internet could benefit communities in parts of India with limited or no internet access, giving children greater opportunities for education and helping small businesses reach customers in international markets. He also said Starlink had helped save lives during natural disasters when other communication systems failed.

The remarks form part of an escalating dispute over Starlink’s efforts to begin commercial operations in India, one of the world’s largest telecommunications markets. The company, operated by Musk’s SpaceX, has secured key regulatory approvals but is still awaiting the completion of security requirements and spectrum allocation needed to launch its services.

Ambani’s Reliance Industries owns Reliance Jio, one of India’s leading telecommunications operators. Jio and Bharti Airtel, another major operator, have also entered distribution agreements with Starlink, subject to the necessary regulatory approvals. Both companies are pursuing satellite internet services of their own.

Musk had earlier accused unnamed powerful business interests of obstructing Starlink’s entry to protect existing market dominance. However, the Indian government has rejected suggestions that the company is being unfairly treated.

Telecommunications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said India does not permit monopolies in any sector. The government has also maintained that Starlink and two other licensed satellite operators are at broadly the same stage of the regulatory process and must satisfy security requirements before receiving spectrum allocation.