Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu has spoken out in support of India’s inexpensive mobile internet rates amid pushback from Elon Musk regarding the country’s business landscape and Starlink’s postponed market debut. Vembu attributed the affordability of mobile data to the entry of Reliance Jio into the telecommunications industry, asserting that market competition has directly served everyday consumers.
Sridhar Vembu Highlights India’s Affordable Digital Services
Taking to X on October 10, Vembu pointed to India’s economical mobile data tariffs, low-cost pharmaceuticals, and budget-friendly digital payment infrastructure through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
According to Vembu, India maintains some of the cheapest data rates globally. He mentioned that mobile internet is priced so reasonably that he frequently uses his smartphone’s cellular data for work while traveling across India rather than connecting to Wi-Fi.
He further observed that the affordability of mobile internet leads many Indians to use dual-SIM devices alongside substantial data packages. Vembu specifically credited Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani and the introduction of Jio for driving down data costs for consumers.
“These are the facts, Elon,” Vembu stated in a post directed at Musk’s critique of the Indian telecom sector.
India has the among the lowest data prices in the world. It is so good that I don’t even bother to connect to local Wifi when I travel in India and just tether my phone to work on my computer. Indians routinely have dual SIM phones with large data plans because they are so affordable. Ambani’s launch of Jio is directly responsible for the low data prices Indians enjoy.
India has among the lowest drug prices in the world (and going lower still). People who visit India buy medicines to take home quite regularly now.
India has among the lowest cost payment systems in the world in UPI.
On the other hand, Tesla is protected from Chinese competition in the US market, keeping EV prices higher in America than elsewhere.
Prime Minister Modi has worked hard to create a competitive economy where the benefits flow to the average Indian. His government does not tolerate monopolies. He has also actively promoted and encouraged a massive surge in startups and that is the best signal of a highly competitive economy.
Directly due to Modi government policy, Indian startups are making major advances in low cost rockets and that poses a threat to SpaceX the same say the Chinese EVs threaten Tesla.
These are the facts Elon.
— Sridhar Vembu (@svembu) October 10, 2026
Vembu Questions Musk’s Criticism Of India’s Economy
Vembu also contrasted the Indian telecommunications landscape with the electric vehicle market in the United States. He contended that U.S. measures restricting Chinese electric vehicle imports shield Tesla from direct competition, which may keep domestic prices elevated compared to a more open market.
In defense of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s economic agenda, Vembu stated that the administration has fostered a competitive environment designed to pass cost-saving benefits directly on to the public.
Additionally, he highlighted the expansion of domestic startups, asserting that government initiatives have stimulated competition and enabled Indian enterprises to make strides in manufacturing low-cost rockets. Vembu suggested these advancements could rival SpaceX in a manner comparable to how Chinese electric vehicles challenge Tesla.
Why Elon Musk is Criticizing India’s Telecom Market
Elon Musk has claimed that influential corporate entities have blocked Starlink from entering the Indian market to safeguard their existing commercial shares. Furthermore, Musk used X to poke fun at Ambani regarding his influence over the commercial sphere in India.
Musk argued that Starlink is positioned to deliver internet connectivity to isolated populations currently lacking access. He maintained that satellite-based internet could broaden educational opportunities for students while assisting local enterprises in reaching global markets.
Musk also noted that Starlink can aid in reestablishing communication channels during emergency situations. Meanwhile, the Indian government has denied accusations of partiality, insisting that all satellite internet operators must fulfill relevant regulatory standards prior to initiating commercial operations. Starlink’s official launch in the country continues to depend on securing the mandatory approvals and clearances.
