Swamy writes to Amit Shah, seeks security review and suspension of Starlink license

BJP leader Subramanian Swamy on Thursday urged Union Minister of Home Affairs, Amit Shah, to conduct urgent security review and suspension of Starlink’s approval.

In a detailed five-page letter, Swamy argues that national security concerns cannot be ignored for technology advancement, and asked Union Home Ministry to take into concerns of the Intelligence Bureau and the Union defence, telecom and information technology ministries. 

“I am writing to express my serious concern regarding the national security implications arising from the proposed introduction and operation of Starlink’s satellite-based internet services in India. In view of the strategic significance of communications infrastructure and the potential implications of foreign-controlled satellite networks, I urge the Ministry of Home Affairs to undertake an immediate and comprehensive security review and ensure that national security is not compromised in the pursuit of technological advancement or commercial interests,” Swamy’s letter reads.

“Satellite-based internet connectivity has the potential to improve communications, particularly in remote and underserved areas. However, the introduction of such services must be assessed not merely from the standpoint of technological advancement or commercial convenience, but primarily through the lens of national security, sovereignty, strategic autonomy and the protection of sensitive information,” the letter reads further. The Union Government in 2021 granted the first license to the Elon Musk-led satellite internet company to operate in India.

Citing a series of security concerns from foreign satellites’ operations, the former Union law minister pointed out the role of foreign courts’ interventions in India. “The operation of a satellite internet network raises important questions concerning foreign control over critical communications infrastructure, the routing and storage of sensitive data, access to network-related information by foreign entities, the effectiveness of lawful interception mechanisms, cyber vulnerabilities and the ability of Indian authorities to exercise effective oversight in accordance with Indian law,” the letter claims, citing concerns on Starlink satellite’s interventions on India’s defence networks.

“The competent authorities should examine whether adequate technical and legal safeguards exist to prevent unauthorised access, external interference, disruption of services and the exploitation of network vulnerabilities. The Government must also assess the extent to which Indian authorities would retain effective regulatory control, access to information necessary for lawful investigations, and the ability to issue and enforce directions in circumstances involving national security or public emergency,” the letter said. Musk’s recent tweets against Mukesh Ambani has created controversies.