RSS-affiliated Swadeshi Jagran Manch urges Centre to block Starlink’s India launch, cites security concerns

The Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM), an organisation affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), on Friday urged the Centre to deny permission to Elon Musk-owned Starlink to launch commercial satellite broadband services in India, citing national security and regulatory concerns.

The demand was made in a memorandum submitted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the organisation held a demonstration against Starlink at Teen Murti Chowk in New Delhi on October 23.

In the memorandum, SJM national co-convenor Ashwani Mahajan questioned whether Starlink's satellite technology could meet India's requirements for monitoring internet traffic and restricting services during security-related emergencies.

The organisation alleged that Starlink's use of laser-based inter-satellite links could allow data to travel between satellites through foreign infrastructure without passing through domestic gateways. It argued that this could complicate lawful monitoring and enforcement by Indian authorities.

“The government is examining this system to ensure that data cannot bypass Indian gateways during security-related emergencies,” Mahajan said in the memorandum, adding that Starlink had not committed to meeting certain requirements or might face technological limitations in doing so.

These concerns reflect SJM's position on the proposed service. The memorandum did not establish that Starlink had violated Indian regulations or that its technology necessarily prevents compliance with government requirements.

SJM raises concerns over internet shutdowns and law enforcement

The organisation argued that satellite internet connectivity could pose challenges for authorities seeking to restrict communications during incidents involving terrorism, insurgency, riots, protests or other law-and-order situations.

Mahajan said internet-based social media could contribute to the spread of rumours and what he described as anti-national narratives during periods of unrest. He also raised concerns about the potential use of satellite internet by hostile actors, smugglers and insurgent groups to communicate beyond conventional telecom networks.

SJM maintained that India's existing mobile and broadband networks provide connectivity at affordable rates and can be restricted in specific areas when necessary. It also said domestic telecom operators cooperate with security and investigating agencies.

The organisation called for Starlink's proposed services to be assessed in light of experiences in countries including Ukraine, Iran, Russia, China and Taiwan, where satellite communications have featured in different security and geopolitical contexts.

SJM questions Starlink's response to government requirements

According to Mahajan, the government had sought clarifications from Starlink on national security requirements. He alleged that the company had not adequately addressed those concerns and suggested that Musk's public statements about Indian businesses and the government were an attempt to create pressure for approval.

These assertions were made by SJM in its memorandum. The organisation did not provide independent technical evidence in the statement establishing that Starlink was incapable of meeting India's requirements.

The specific regulatory conditions under discussion, the company's response to each condition and the government's final assessment were not fully detailed in the memorandum.

SJM backs indigenous satellite broadband services

SJM argued that denying Starlink permission would not prevent India from developing its own satellite-based internet services. It said domestic capabilities in space technology and satellite communications could support the development of indigenous alternatives.

The organisation maintained that Indian providers could eventually deliver broadband connectivity to remote and underserved areas at lower prices while complying with national security requirements.

India has been encouraging private-sector participation in its space industry, including satellite communications. However, the cost, availability and deployment timelines of future domestic satellite broadband services would depend on the technology developed, regulatory approvals and commercial investment.

SJM said a delay in launching indigenous services would be preferable to approving a system that, in its assessment, could create security concerns.

SJM links Starlink demand to trade relations with the US

The organisation also framed its opposition in the context of trade relations between India and the United States.

Mahajan argued that if the US restricted Indian imports by imposing high tariffs on national security grounds, India should retain the right to deny Starlink permission on its own security grounds.

“The SJM urges the government to block permission for Starlink to roll out its commercial satellite broadband services,” Mahajan said in the memorandum.

The demand adds to the debate over how India should balance the expansion of satellite-based internet services with requirements concerning data routing, lawful interception, service restrictions and national security.

The organisation's memorandum represents a call for the government to deny Starlink permission; it does not, by itself, amount to a government decision on the company's proposed commercial launch.