RSS Economic Wing Urges Centre to Deny Starlink Licence, Flags Security Risks
The Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM), the economic wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has urged the Union government to deny Elon Musk-owned Starlink permission to launch commercial satellite broadband services in India, citing national security concerns.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, SJM national co-convenor Ashwani Mahajan said internet services sometimes need to be suspended during law-and-order situations to prevent the spread of rumours and inflammatory content on social media. He questioned whether Starlink's technology would allow the government to restrict services in specific areas when required.
"Currently, India is grappling with various law-and-order challenges. In such situations, internet-based social media often fuels rumours 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," Mr. Mahajan said.
The statement comes amid protests in the national capital by several organisations over alleged irregularities in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, and their demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
During recent hearings on petitions relating to alleged illegal detentions and curtailment of public movement during protests, the Supreme Court ordered that "internet facilities should function unhindered". The SJM statement does not address this observation.
Concerns over laser links
Mr. Mahajan also raised concerns about Starlink's use of laser links, which allow satellites to transmit data directly to one another before it reaches a ground station. The organisation said Indian authorities needed assurances that domestic internet traffic would pass through gateways within the country rather than bypassing them through foreign infrastructure, which it said could complicate lawful monitoring.
"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," the SJM said.
The organisation referred to the use of satellite internet services in Ukraine, Iran, Russia, China and Taiwan, among other countries, to underline what it described as the strategic implications of such technology.
Case for domestic networks
Defending India's existing telecommunication infrastructure, the SJM said domestic mobile and broadband networks provide affordable connectivity and can be restricted when required by authorities. It also highlighted the cooperation between telecom operators and security agencies.
The organisation cited India's space programmes, including PSLV and Chandrayaan, as well as missions such as Gaganyaan, NISAR and Chandrayaan-4, to underline the country's growing capabilities. It said indigenous satellite-based internet services could eventually provide affordable connectivity to remote areas.
The SJM urged the government to deny the company a licence if it could not meet national security requirements. It also linked the issue to trade relations with the United States, arguing that India could restrict foreign companies on security grounds, just as other countries impose trade restrictions on Indian exports.
Licences for satellite communication services in India are granted by the Union government, which weighs security clearances before granting approval. The SJM's statement is advisory in nature; Starlink has been seeking permission to offer commercial satellite broadband in the country.
