Archive · 11 Oct 2026
Kamal Haasan Defends India’s Starlink Licensing Policy Against Musk
Elon Musk questioned why Starlink had not yet received approval to offer satellite internet in India.
He also asked whether businessman Mukesh Ambani had too much influence over the decision.
Kamal Haasan replied that no billionaire should decide a country’s policies.
He said India should welcome different internet providers if they can offer affordable service, especially in remote places.
He also said the country must protect its communications systems for security reasons.
Haasan pointed to problems with BharatNet, a programme intended to bring broadband to village-level local bodies.
He cited an audit that found only 33.2% of service-ready local councils were operational, despite large spending.
India’s Communications Ministry said Starlink and two other licensed operators were at similar stages of security checks.
Other public figures also reacted to the dispute, with Rahul Gandhi supporting Musk’s criticism and Kangana Ranaut praising Haasan’s reply.
Elon Musk questioned Starlink’s delayed Indian licence, saying it operates in more than 165 countries and asking whether Mukesh Ambani was the “real boss of India.”
Kamal Haasan said no billionaire should dictate national policy and that Indians would decide India’s future.
Haasan backed satellite-internet competition from Indian and international providers, while stressing affordability and useful service in remote areas.
He said telecom networks and spectrum are strategic infrastructure and that national-security safeguards are non-negotiable.
Haasan cited CAG figures that 33.2% of service-ready Gram Panchayats were operational despite ₹39,888 crore spent on BharatNet; the Communications Ministry said Starlink and two other licensed operators were at broadly similar stages of security assessments.
- Who
- Kamal Haasan responded to Elon Musk’s criticism of Starlink’s delayed Indian licence; Mukesh Ambani was mentioned in Musk’s remarks.
- What
- Haasan defended India’s authority over its policies while supporting affordable satellite-internet competition and security safeguards.
- When
- Haasan posted his response on October 9, 2026; a PTI report was dated October 10.
- Where
- The dispute concerns Starlink’s proposed entry into India and played out on X.
- Why
- Musk questioned the delay in Starlink receiving an Indian licence and asked whether Ambani was the “real boss of India.”
Haasan and India’s regulatory position
Musk’s criticism
Licensing and influence
Haasan and India’s regulatory position
Haasan said Indian people should determine national policy. The Communications Ministry said the approval framework was fair and non-discriminatory, with Starlink and two other licensed operators at broadly similar stages of security assessments.
Musk’s criticism
Musk questioned why Starlink had not received a licence despite operating in more than 165 countries and asked whether Mukesh Ambani was the “real boss of India.”
Competition and affordability
Haasan and India’s regulatory position
Haasan said India should welcome domestic and international providers that can offer practical, affordable connectivity, especially in remote areas.
Musk’s criticism
Musk criticized the delay in Starlink’s entry into India; the articles do not provide a fuller response from him to Haasan’s affordability conditions.
Security and market protections
Haasan and India’s regulatory position
Haasan said national-security safeguards were essential and argued that countries protect domestic industries, citing US tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and restrictions on Huawei.
Musk’s criticism
Musk’s reported criticism focused on Starlink’s delayed licence and possible influence in India’s regulatory process; the articles do not report his response to Haasan’s comparisons.
- Musk’s criticism
- Musk said Starlink was licensed in more than 165 countries and questioned why it had not received an Indian licence.
- Haasan’s position
- Haasan said no billionaire should dictate national policy and that the Indian people would decide their own future.
- Competition and affordability
- Haasan supported domestic and international satellite providers that can deliver practical, affordable connectivity, particularly in remote areas.
- Security
- Haasan described telecommunications networks and spectrum as strategic infrastructure and said national-security safeguards were non-negotiable.
- BharatNet audit figures
- Haasan cited the CAG’s 2026 audit finding that 33.2% of service-ready Gram Panchayats were operational despite ₹39,888 crore in spending.
- Ministry position
- The Communications Ministry said the approval framework was fair and non-discriminatory, and Starlink and two other licensed satellite operators were at broadly similar stages of security assessments.
- Other reactions
- Rahul Gandhi voiced support for Musk’s criticism; Kangana Ranaut praised Haasan’s reply, and BJP spokesperson Priti Gandhi welcomed his emphasis on national interest.
Sources
‘India is a democracy’: Kamal Haasan fires back at Elon Musk over Starlink claims
Kamal Haasan Hits Back At Elon Musk Over Starlink Licensing Criticism: India Is A Democracy, Not Colony
'Ouch!!! That must hurt': Kangana Ranaut hails Kamal Haasan's sharp reply to Elon Musk over Starlink row
India a democracy, not colony: Kamal Haasan hits back at Elon Musk on satellite internet policy
Kamal Haasan slams Elon Musk over Starlink delay row: 'Indian people, will decide our own future - not Western'
Kunal Kapoor, Kamal Haasan Back India’s Right to Decide Amid Musk’s Starlink Row
‘India Is a Democracy, Not a Colony’: Kamal Haasan Hits Back at Elon Musk Over Starlink Licensing Citing 'National Security'
India a democracy, not colony: Kamal Haasan
