Stories
Why RSS Economic Wing Wants Elon Musk Starlink Out of India
N
News18•13-10-2026, 19:16
Why RSS Economic Wing Wants Elon Musk Starlink Out of India
- •Swadeshi Jagran Manch has urged the Indian government to deny Starlink commercial satellite broadband licenses over national security concerns.
- •SJM argues that satellite communications pose unique security risks compared to terrestrial networks, making lawful interception and emergency shutdowns harder.
- •The organisation highlighted international examples where Starlink equipment was recovered during security investigations, raising fears of misuse.
- •SJM draws parallels to past opposition against Chinese firms like Huawei, advocating for indigenous satellite technology development instead.
- •The debate underscores the broader tension between foreign investment, digital connectivity, and India's strategic autonomy.
Key Questions Answered
The Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) opposes Starlink's entry into India due to national security concerns, potential surveillance risks, and the necessity to maintain sovereign control over the country's critical communications infrastructure.
According to the SJM, Starlink has not adequately satisfied government mandates such as ensuring Indian internet traffic travels through domestic gateways and providing the capability to restrict services upon official direction.
Conventional telecom relies on terrestrial networks where authorities can easily suspend services in designated areas, whereas satellite connectivity involves complex inter-satellite laser links that complicate lawful interception and emergency shutdowns.
