The Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM), a group linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has urged the Indian government to deny permission for Elon Musk’s Starlink to launch its commercial satellite broadband services in the country, citing national security concerns. This appeal follows Musk’s recent claim that Starlink is being obstructed by “certain oligarchs” in India, a statement that the government has categorically rejected.

The Indian government responded by asserting that the regulatory framework governing satellite communication services in the country is both fair and non-discriminatory. The SJM highlighted that India is currently facing multiple law-and-order challenges, suggesting that internet-based social media often exacerbates the spread of misinformation and anti-national narratives.

In a statement, Ashwani Mahajan, the national co-convenor of SJM, remarked that disruptions in internet services are sometimes necessary to maintain order during incidents of separatism, terrorism, riots, and protests. This context underscores the group’s concerns regarding the potential implications of allowing foreign satellite services to operate without stringent oversight.

Government’s Regulatory Stance on Internet Traffic

The SJM has echoed the government’s apprehensions that allowing Starlink to operate could result in Indian internet traffic circumventing domestic gateways, leading to challenges in lawful monitoring and enforcement. Mahajan emphasised that the government prefers that all Indian internet traffic be routed through gateways located within the country.

Mahajan also condemned Musk’s remarks regarding the delay in obtaining permission for Starlink’s operations in India, suggesting that Musk’s allegations against Indian businesses and the government may stem from an inability or unwillingness of Starlink to meet specific regulatory requirements. He posited that Musk might be attempting to exert public pressure on the government or expressing frustration over the situation.

Moreover, Mahajan pointed out that Starlink’s technology, which employs laser-based satellite links for data transmission, poses significant challenges in adhering to India’s regulatory framework. The Indian government is scrutinising this technology to ensure that it does not allow data to bypass Indian gateways during security emergencies. A critical condition for regulatory approval is that Starlink must be capable of restricting its services at the government’s request, a commitment that the company has reportedly not made.

Potential Risks and Alternatives

The SJM has stated that recent internet bans imposed during protests against the election commission illustrate the necessity of such interventions to prevent technology misuse. They warned that satellite internet could potentially be exploited by hostile entities, smugglers, or insurgent groups to communicate outside conventional telecom networks.

Mahajan noted that the group’s concerns regarding Starlink’s security risks are informed by experiences from various countries, including Ukraine, Iran, Russia, China, Taiwan, South Africa, Brazil, and Venezuela. He highlighted that Ukraine, Iran, and Russia serve as prominent case studies for national security analysis in this context.

Furthermore, Mahajan asserted that the inability of Starlink to secure a licence does not hinder India’s capacity to provide satellite-based internet services. He claimed that even if there is a slight delay in launching indigenous satellite services, India would still be able to offer more affordable options while ensuring national security. He concluded by stating that banning Starlink would send a clear message to trade partners, particularly the United States, regarding India’s rights to protect its national interests.

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