Elon Musk gets into another controversy, now over Starlink:5 occasions when Tesla chief and his companies faced scrutiny in India

Elon Musk is no stranger to controversy. Whether it is his business decisions, outspoken social media posts, or the artificial intelligence tools developed by his companies, the billionaire often finds himself at the centre of heated debates.
And in India, his businesses and public comments have sparked discussions about everything from government regulations and free speech to competition and online safety.
The dispute began after Musk questioned the delay in launching Starlink, his satellite internet service, in India. His remarks triggered responses from the government, business leaders and politicians, including Rahul Gandhi, Kamal Haasan and Kangana Ranaut. However, this is not the first controversy involving Musk and his companies in India. From a legal battle over online content to concerns about his AI chatbot Grok, here are some of the major controversies that have attracted attention in India.
1. Elon Musk vs Mukesh Ambani: The Starlink controversy The biggest recent controversy involving Musk in India revolves around Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by his company SpaceX. Starlink aims to provide internet connectivity through satellites, including in remote areas where traditional mobile networks and broadband services may not reach. However, the company has been waiting to complete the regulatory process required to begin commercial operations in India. Frustrated by the delay, Musk accused powerful business interests of trying to prevent Starlink from entering the Indian market. The remark directly brought Mukesh Ambani, whose Reliance Industries owns telecom giant Jio, into the dispute. What did the government and Reliance say? The Indian government rejected Musk’s allegations, maintaining that the country’s satellite communication approval process is fair and non-discriminatory. It said Starlink, Reliance Jio’s satellite services and Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb were at broadly similar stages of the regulatory process, with security assessments and other requirements still to be completed. Recently, Reliance also responded, saying it welcomes competition and that all companies must follow Indian laws. The company also said that Jio’s satellite services were awaiting clearances. What did Rahul Gandhi and Kangana Ranaut say? The dispute soon became a political talking point. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi responded to Musk’s remarks with a pointed comment on X: “Welcome to India, Elon. Wait till you discover the other guy.” Actor-politician Kamal Haasan also criticised the suggestion that a billionaire should influence India’s policy decisions. He stressed that India was a democracy and that its people should decide the country’s future. BJP MP Kangana Ranaut backed Haasan’s response. She described Haasan’s response as sharp, direct, and sarcastic. The controversy has raised questions about competition in India’s telecom sector and the time required for regulatory approvals.
2. X vs the Indian government: The battle over online content Musk’s disagreements in India are not limited to satellite internet. His social media platform, X, has also challenged aspects of the government’s online content-blocking process. In 2025, X approached the Karnataka High Court over government orders to remove or restrict online content. The company argued that the system could allow authorities to issue takedown directions without adequate transparency and safeguards. Why did the dispute matter? Governments can order online platforms to restrict content under certain legal circumstances. In India, such measures can be used to address unlawful material and other specified concerns. However, X argued that the way some blocking directions were issued raised questions about the limits of government power and freedom of expression. Also read: Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance responds to Elon Musk: ‘We are not afraid of competition, Starlink is welcome in India’

3. Grok under scrutiny: Controversy surrounding Musk’s AI chatbot Artificial intelligence has created another challenge for Musk’s businesses. Grok, the AI chatbot developed by his company xAI and integrated with X, has faced scrutiny in India following complaints about its responses. According to the BBC, concerns about Grok prompted government scrutiny, bringing the chatbot’s content and the platform’s responsibilities into focus. Why did Grok attract attention? Grok faced scrutiny in India over complaints about politically sensitive responses and inappropriate language. The controversy raised questions about AI safety, content moderation and accountability, though allegations do not necessarily prove wrongdoing. 4. Tesla’s India entry: High prices and the local manufacturing debate Elon Musk’s electric car company, Tesla, also faced challenges when it entered India. The company had been discussing its plans for the Indian market for years, but disagreements over import duties and local manufacturing became major hurdles. India has encouraged global automakers to manufacture vehicles locally through its ‘Make in India’ initiative. Tesla, however, initially focused on bringing imported cars into the country rather than committing to a manufacturing plant. Did Tesla’s high prices affect its sales? Tesla’s early sales figures highlighted the challenge of selling expensive electric vehicles in India. The company sold 225 Model Y SUVs in 2025. By April 2026, total sales had reached around 350 vehicles since deliveries began in September 2025, according to Reuters. The figures raised questions about whether Tesla’s premium pricing and reliance on imported vehicles would help it compete effectively in India. For Indian buyers, high prices mean Tesla remains out of reach for many households. For the company, the challenge is to attract customers in a market where buyers often compare vehicle prices, running costs, charging facilities, and after-sales support before making a purchase. Also read: Can India’s new caller ID rule stop phone scams?: Know about 5 common cyber threats that could put you at risk and tips to stay protected

Why Elon Musk’s controversies in India matter The three controversies involve different businesses, but each highlights a challenge facing global technology companies in India. The Starlink dispute concerns competition, licensing, and national security. The X case raises questions about online censorship and freedom of expression, while the Grok episode highlights the need for responsible AI development. As these debates continue, one question remains central: how can India welcome global technology companies while ensuring that decisions about its digital future remain transparent, fair and accountable?