Swadeshi Jagran Manch
Dharmakshetra ,Sector-8 ,R.K.Puram ,
NewDelhi.       
Web: www.swadeshionline.in
13.10.2026

Press Release

National Security Paramount: Block Permission to Starlink

Swadeshi Jagran Manch strongly condemns the irresponsible statements made by Shri Elon Musk, the world's wealthiest businessman. The issue revolves around ‘Starlink’, a company owned by Elon Musk, which had applied for a license to launch and operate commercial satellite broadband services in India but has not yet received the same (though the application has not been rejected either). It’s unfortunate that instead of responding to clarifications sought from his company, on national security grounds, Shri Elon Musk has chosen to make allegations on Indian businesses and the government indirectly. It appears that Starlink is perhaps not prepared to meet those specific requirements. Consequently, it seems Elon Musk is either attempting to secure the license by creating public pressure against the government or is making these statements out of frustration.

It’s important to understand that Starlink's technology poses a serious challenge to meeting India's regulatory requirements. Starlink utilizes laser-based satellite links to transmit data directly between satellites before it reaches a ground station. The Indian government is examining this system to ensure that data cannot bypass Indian gateways during security-related emergencies. A key regulatory condition is that Starlink must be able to precisely restrict its services at the government's behest; however, Starlink has not committed to meet this requirement, or its technology may not permit it.

Currently, India is grappling with various law-and-order challenges. In such situations, internet-based social media often fuels rumors and anti-national narratives. Disrupting internet services frequently becomes essential to maintain law and order during instances of separatism, terrorism, riots, protests, and similar events.

Further, Starlink satellites can communicate with one another using laser links. India’s concern is that Indian internet traffic could bypass domestic gateways and travel through foreign infrastructure, making lawful monitoring and enforcement more difficult. Government wants Indian traffic routed through gateways within India.

Moreover, it’s feared that satellite internet could be used by hostile actors, smugglers or insurgent groups to communicate beyond conventional telecom networks. Unauthorised terminals have been found operating near sensitive borders and conflict zones. Security agencies have even recovered Starlink equipment in several investigations.

It is noteworthy that India has thus far provided broadband and mobile data services using indigenous technology. These services have the distinction of not only among the cheapest in the world, generally at 17 percent of what it costs in China, and just 1 percent of what it costs in USA; they can be suspended or restricted in affected areas when ever asked for; a guarantee that Starlink’s space-based laser technology perhaps fails to offer. Apart from this incumbent telecom operators have been cooperating with the security and investigating agencies, when needed and their technology is in sync with the national security demands.

Apprehension of Swadeshi Jagran Manch are  about the security risks, attached with Starlink are based on experiences of Ukraine, Iran, Russia, China, Taiwan, South Africa, Brazil, Venezuela, Sudan and many others. Most prominent case studies for a national security analysis are Ukraine, Iran, Russia, China and Taiwan.

Swadeshi Jagran Manch wishes to put on record that this episode is not the first instance of its kind. Mobile internet technology has undergone continuous improvement and evolution. The progression from 2G to 3G, 4G, and subsequently to 5G technology has consistently enhanced mobile data speeds. Government of India initiated efforts to introduce 5G technology in 2019, although the technology had not yet been fully developed within the country till that time. Global competition regarding 5G technology was limited to a few companies, with China’s Huawei being the most price-competitive among them. Swadeshi Jagran Manch then opposed the inclusion of Huawei, due to security concerns. After SJM’s opposition, neither Huawei nor another Chinese firm, ZTE, were granted permission to conduct trials. Meanwhile, Indian companies and scientists, which had been working on developing 5G technology, ultimately developed 5G, popularly known as 5Gi. Today, alongside the existing indigenous 4G technology, 5Gi technology has already been rolled out in several locations across the country.

Self-Reliance in Satellite Based Internet 

While it is true that India entered the space technology later than nations like the US, Europe, and Russia, it is equally true that India has fast emerged as a major and pivotal player in the global space arena. India’s PSLV and Chandrayaan missions have already set global benchmarks; meanwhile, projects such as Gaganyaan, NISAR, Chandrayaan-4, Shukrayaan, and the Indian Space Station are becoming symbols of India's rising stature in the space sector. India is also assisting numerous countries in areas such as space meteorology, communications, and security. In the realm of internet services, private startups are now beginning to carve out a niche for themselves alongside India's public sector enterprises.

A constellation of communication satellites, developed through India's efforts, is currently operational. These satellites facilitate telecommunications, broadband, and broadcasting services, while also supporting social and political communication. India's capabilities in this domain are steadily expanding; furthermore, government policies are fostering increased private sector participation in space, thereby accelerating the development of self-reliant space technology.

If Elon Musk’s Starlink fails to get license as it is unable to address the Indian government's national security concerns, it does not mean India will not be able to provide satellite-based internet services. In fact, even if there is a slight delay in launching indigenous satellite-based internet services, we would still be able to offer services far cheaper than Starlink while ensuring national security.

It is evident that the price of Starlink’s internet service would be significantly higher than current mobile and broadband rates. However, if Starlink is blocked on grounds of national security—a move that is entirely justified—it would provide a major boost to the development of indigenous satellite-based internet. This would enable the provision of internet services at affordable rates in the country's remote areas. Consequently, just as data is currently available at very low rates in cities and villages, self-reliant satellite based internet could soon soon become accessible in remote regions as well.

Swadeshi Jagran Manch urges upon the government to block the permission to Starlink to rollout its commercial satellite broadband services. SJM is of the firm belief that blocking Starlink would send a message to trade partners like the US: if they have the audacity to arbitrarily restrict Indian imports—such as handicraft products—by imposing high tariffs in the name of national security, then India is certainly within its rights to block Starlink based on its genuine national security concerns.

Dr Ashwani Mahajan
National Co-Convener, Swadeshi Jagran Manch