Kamal Haasan hits back at Elon Musk over Starlink row, says India is ‘not a colony’

Actor and Rajya Sabha MP Kamal Haasan has responded to Elon Musk’s criticism of India’s satellite internet licensing process, arguing that no billionaire should dictate a country’s policies. Haasan defended India’s right to regulate its telecom sector while calling for affordable satellite connectivity, fair competition and firm national security safeguards.

Kamal Haasan has responded to Elon Musk’s criticism of India’s satellite internet licensing process, saying India is a democracy and not a colony, and that its policies must be decided by its people rather than billionaires or Western interests.

The actor-politician’s remarks came after Musk, the owner of SpaceX, questioned why Starlink had yet to receive a licence in India despite being licensed in more than 165 countries. Musk also asked whether industrialist Mukesh Ambani was the “real boss of India”, amplifying criticism that the government was protecting domestic business interests.

In a lengthy post on X, Haasan argued that India should welcome competition in satellite internet services from both domestic and international providers. However, he stressed that services must be affordable and comply with India’s national security requirements.

“Mr. Musk, yes, no billionaire should dictate a nation’s policy — Indian or American,” Haasan wrote.

Haasan calls for affordable satellite internet

Haasan said satellite internet could help connect people in remote areas where conventional broadband infrastructure may be difficult to deploy. However, he cautioned that high subscription fees and equipment costs could put the service beyond the reach of ordinary households.

He argued that connectivity should bridge the digital divide rather than create another barrier to internet access.

Haasan also said India should allow competition between providers based on which company could offer the most practical and affordable last-mile connectivity.

India’s telecom policy and national security

Defending India’s approach to telecommunications, Haasan said spectrum and communications networks should be treated as strategic infrastructure rather than merely commercial assets.

He described national security safeguards as non-negotiable and argued that countries have the right to frame regulations according to their own interests.

Haasan also challenged what he described as Western double standards on free-market competition. He cited US tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and restrictions on Huawei on security grounds, arguing that countries should not demand unrestricted market access from others while protecting their own industries.

BharatNet and the CAG audit findings

While defending India’s regulatory framework, Haasan acknowledged domestic shortcomings in expanding digital connectivity.

He referred to BharatNet, the government programme aimed at extending broadband connectivity to Gram Panchayats and rural areas, and cited figures he attributed to the Comptroller and Auditor General’s 2026 audit report.

According to Haasan, only 33.2% of service-ready Gram Panchayats were operational despite expenditure of ₹39,888 crore.

He argued that India should scrutinise the programme’s performance while recognising the achievements of its telecommunications sector, particularly the availability of comparatively affordable mobile data.

What is the Starlink dispute about?

Starlink, operated by SpaceX, uses satellites in low Earth orbit to provide internet connectivity. The service has the potential to reach remote locations where conventional broadband infrastructure is limited.

Its entry into India requires regulatory approvals and compliance with the country’s telecommunications and security requirements. The debate has also drawn attention to competition between satellite internet providers and established domestic telecom businesses.

Musk’s public comments questioned the delay in obtaining a licence, while Haasan’s response focused on India’s regulatory independence, affordability and the need for fair competition.

Haasan concluded that India would welcome international companies but would determine its own future through democratic decision-making.

Competition, affordability and regulatory independence

The exchange highlights three central issues in India’s satellite internet debate.

• Competition: International providers such as Starlink could expand connectivity options, particularly in remote areas. Their entry also raises questions about how satellite services should compete with existing telecom operators.
• Affordability: Satellite connectivity may help reach underserved regions, but equipment and subscription costs will influence how many households can use it.
• Regulation and security: The government must balance market access with spectrum management, security requirements and the regulation of communications infrastructure.

The dispute also reflects a wider tension between calls for open markets and national policies designed to protect domestic industries or address security concerns. Haasan’s argument is that India should remain open to global providers without surrendering its authority to determine the conditions under which they operate.