Kamal Haasan tells Elon Musk that Indian citizens decide national policies

Actor-politician Kamal Haasan has fired back at Elon Musk over comments regarding India's satellite internet market and regulatory hurdles. Musk recently questioned whether Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani was the real boss of India, drawing support from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Taking to X, Haasan responded that no billionaire, Indian or American, should dictate a nation's policy.

Competition And Security

Haasan stated that India should welcome competition in satellite internet from both domestic and international providers if they offer practical and affordable connectivity for remote regions. He warned that high subscription fees and equipment costs risk keeping services out of reach for ordinary households, noting that connectivity must bridge the digital divide. He also stressed that telecommunications networks and spectrum are strategic infrastructure rather than simple commercial assets, making national security safeguards non-negotiable.

Global Double Standards

Comparing policies internationally, Haasan pointed out that Western nations practice protectionism while preaching free markets. He noted that the United States imposed 100 percent tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles to protect local manufacturers, just as India protects its domestic industry. He added that both nations have restricted Huawei over security concerns, arguing that one cannot demand a level playing field only when it suits a personal agenda.

Domestic Scrutiny

Haasan cited BharatNet, the government program bringing broadband to village-level local bodies, as an initiative that deserves both scrutiny and recognition. He pointed out that the Comptroller and Auditor General's 2026 audit report found the program struggling to meet objectives, with only 33.2 percent of service-ready Gram Panchayats operational despite an expenditure of 39,888 crore rupees. Simultaneously, he noted that India's telecom regulations have made internet data among the most affordable in the world.

Context

Satellite internet providers like Starlink rely on low-Earth orbit constellations to deliver high-speed broadband to rural and hard-to-reach areas where traditional fiber-optic cables cannot easily go. National telecom regulators typically subject such foreign entities to strict licensing requirements and security clearances before permitting commercial operations. This regulatory process ensures that critical communication infrastructure remains secure and compliant with domestic laws.