RSS-Linked Body Asks Indian Government to Block Elon Musk’s Starlink Over Security Threats
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Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)-affiliated Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) has formally petitioned the Union Government to deny commercial operational clearance to Elon Musk’s Starlink, citing grave national security risks and potential hurdles to state surveillance protocols.
The economic wing of the RSS expressed serious reservations over Starlink’s direct satellite-to-satellite laser link technology, arguing that the architecture allows internet data traffic to bypass Indian ground stations and domestic regulatory frameworks.
State Security and Surveillance at Risk
SJM national co-convener Ashwani Mahajan stated that allowing the American satellite internet giant into the Indian market could undermine law enforcement efforts during domestic crises.
"Currently, India is grappling with various law-and-order challenges. In such situations, internet-based social media often fuels rumours and anti-national narratives," Mahajan noted in an official statement.He further stressed that temporary internet shutdowns and monitoring protocols remain vital mechanisms for maintaining peace during violent protests, acts of terror, or civil strife—capabilities that could be compromised if users connect through unmonitored satellite systems.
The pushback follows recent public comments by Elon Musk regarding regulatory delays in securing satellite spectrum allocations in India. SJM accused the billionaire of attempting to build public pressure on the administration to bypass established security assessments.
Push for Indigenous Satcom Alternatives
Beyond surveillance dilemmas, the Swadeshi Jagran Manch underscored the necessity of fostering domestic satellite communication networks. Keeping foreign players like Starlink out of the Indian market, according to the group, would create space for local telecom providers and indigenous tech firms to expand affordable satellite broadband into remote border regions and rural belts without compromising digital sovereignty.
Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia previously clarified that security clearances for satellite internet providers rest strictly under the purview of the Ministry of Home Affairs, which evaluates foreign hardware and routing architecture before approving licenses.
