Elon Musk has pledged to offer affordable Starlink satellite internet services in India, intensifying his dispute with billionaire Mukesh Ambani ahead of a record initial public offering by Jio Platforms.
The comments come as both companies await final regulatory clearance for their satellite internet ventures, amid Musk's accusations that Indian authorities are favouring Ambani's telecommunications business.
Musk said Saturday that SpaceX would need competitive pricing to establish Starlink in India, where mobile data costs approximately 7.74 rupees ($0.08) per gigabyte, among the lowest rates globally.
Although Musk provided no specific pricing details, he argued that greater competition would expand consumer choice while reducing Reliance Jio's profits without threatening its survival.
Reliance Jio established its market position through low-cost mobile data, a strategy Musk has also employed in markets such as Kenya to challenge established telecommunications operators.
SpaceX is additionally planning to enter the mobile carrier market, beginning in the United States, expanding its telecommunications ambitions beyond satellite broadband.
The confrontation comes days before Jio Platforms, which owns Reliance Jio's telecommunications operations, is expected to launch India's largest-ever initial public offering, targeting a valuation of $106 billion.
Musk's pricing pledge follows several social media posts accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government and Ambani of obstructing Starlink's entry into India's internet market to protect Reliance Jio.
Late Friday, Musk directly challenged Ambani on X, referring to him as "Prime Minister Ambani" and questioning whether he would permit Starlink to compete.
The accusations represent a notable shift in Musk's public relationship with Modi, with whom he has previously maintained cordial ties.
India's government has rejected allegations of preferential treatment, maintaining that all three satellite operators seeking market entry, including Starlink and Jio's satellite venture, remain subject to final security clearance.
Reliance has not responded to requests for comment regarding Musk's statements.
With regulatory approvals outstanding and Jio's major stock market debut approaching, the dispute highlights growing competition over India's satellite internet market.