Elon Musk recently made a controversial tweet suggesting India is run by billionaires and not the government while pointing out how the Starlink license has been in the country. Actor and politician Kamal Haasan slammed the SapceX founder on social media. Following Haasan’s tweet, Bollywood actress and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut reacted to Kamal Haasan’s response.
Kamal Haasan slams Elon Musk’s comments
The controversy started after Musk questioned the delay in allowing Starlink permission to begin commercial operations in India. The billionaire alleged that the satellite internet company was licensed in more than 165 countries and had spent five years complying with Indian government requirements. He further asked, “Is Ambani the real boss of India?”, suggesting the influence of Mukesh Ambani in the Indian market.
Responding to Musk, the Rajya Sabha MP wrote that no billionaire should dictate a country’s policies, regardless of whether they are Indian or American. He further argued that India must welcome competition in satellite internet services if companies offer affordable connectivity, especially to people living in remote areas.
Mr. Musk, yes, no billionaire should dictate a nation’s policy – Indian or American. India must welcome competition in satellite internet, from Indian and global providers, whoever offers the most practical and affordable last-mile solution for those in remote regions. In countries with lower per-capita incomes, satellite internet must be affordable too. High subscription fees and equipment costs risk putting it beyond the reach of ordinary households. Connectivity must bridge the digital divide, not create a new one. India knows our networks and spectrum are strategic infrastructure, not merely commercial assets. India’s national security safeguards are non-negotiable. Every country makes choices based on its own interests. Those in the West cannot preach free markets while practicing protectionism at home. USA imposed 100% tariffs on Chinese EVs to protect its domestic industry, just as India takes measures to protect its own domestic manufacturers. Both India and the US have restricted Huawei over security concerns. One cannot demand a level playing field from others only when it suits its own agenda. Indians will internally debate, question and address our strengths and shortcomings as a democratic country. Take BharatNet, India’s programme to bring broadband to village-level local bodies. We will question why, as the CAG’s 2026 audit report found, the programme is struggling to meet its original objectives. Why were only 33.2% of service-ready Gram Panchayats operational, despite ₹39,888 crore being spent? At the same time, we know to appreciate our telecom sector and regulations, which has made internet data among the world’s most affordable, bringing millions online. India is a democracy, not a colony. We welcome the world, but we, the Indian people, will decide our own future – not Western vested interests, their double standards or any billionaire – Indian or American.
— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) October 9, 2026
He further emphasised the importance of national security, mentioning that the country’s telecommunications networks and spectrum are ‘strategic infrastructure, not merely commercial assets.’ He further stated that Western countries often have double standards on free-market competition. Kamal even cited the United States’ 100% tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles as an example of protectionism.
“Indians will internally debate, question and address our strengths and shortcomings as a democratic country. Take BharatNet, India’s programme to bring broadband to village-level local bodies. We will question why, as the CAG’s 2026 audit report found, the programme is struggling to meet its original objectives. Why were only 33.2% of service-ready Gram Panchayats operational, despite Rs 39,888 crore being spent? At the same time, we know to appreciate our telecom sector and regulations, which has made internet data among the world’s most affordable, bringing millions online,” he further wrote.
Kamal concluded the post saying, “India is a democracy, not a colony. We welcome the world, but we, the Indian people, will decide our own future – not Western vested interests, their double standards or any billionaire – Indian or American.”
Kangana Ranaut reacts
Later on Friday, October 9, Kangana Ranaut praised the actor-politician for his sharp reply, writing, “Ouch!! That must hurt.”
Ouch!! That must hurt @elonmusk No billionaire should dictate a nation’s policy- Indian or American. Well said and well explained. Sharp, on point and sarcastic 👏👌
— Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) October 9, 2026
She tagged Musk and described Kamal’s response as “well said and well explained. Sharp, on point and sarcastic (sic).”