Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) has responded to Elon Musk’s allegations that Indian business interests are blocking Starlink’s entry into the country, saying it has “never feared competition” and that Jio’s satellite services are also awaiting government clearances.

The statement follows Musk’s criticism of RIL CMD Mukesh Ambani, whom he accused of protecting his telecom interests and sarcastically described as the “real boss of India”.

“At Reliance, we have never feared competition. We see it as the truest test of who serves the customer best,” the conglomerate said. 

Citing the government’s position that the same approval process applies to domestic and foreign applicants, Reliance said Jio’s own satellite services are awaiting clearances.

“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,” it added.

Reliance also pointed to Jio’s entry into India’s “crowded” telecom market in 2016, saying it has since grown to over 530 Mn customers. It credited Jio with providing affordable data and digital infrastructure, while saying India’s openness to domestic and international investment and innovation rests on the rule of law. Musk initially targeted unnamed Indian business interests, whom he accused of blocking Starlink to maintain their “monopolistic chokehold” on the market. He subsequently singled out Ambani. In another post, the CEO of SpaceX, which owns and operates Starlink, addressed Ambani as “Prime Minister Ambani”. Musk also argued that satellite connectivity could expand internet access in remote areas, where poor connectivity limits educational opportunities and prevents small businesses from reaching global markets.

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