RSS Body Urges Blocking Starlink Over Security Concerns
Bharatmorning.com – The RSS body urges blocking Starlink from receiving permission to launch commercial satellite broadband services in India, citing national security concerns. The Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM), an affiliate of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, said the government should not approve the service unless it meets India’s regulatory and security requirements.
The demand followed Elon Musk’s claim that Starlink was being “blocked by certain oligarchs” in India. The government rejected that allegation, maintaining that India’s regulatory framework for satellite communication services is fair and non-discriminatory.
Concerns Over Internet Control and Data Routing
SJM national co-convenor Ashwani Mahajan said India faces law-and-order challenges in which internet-based social media can fuel rumours and anti-national narratives. He argued that authorities may need to disrupt internet services during separatism, terrorism, riots, protests and other emergencies to maintain public order.
“Government wants Indian traffic routed through gateways within India,” Mahajan said.
The RSS body urges blocking Starlink because it believes satellite internet traffic could bypass domestic gateways and pass through foreign infrastructure. According to the SJM, this could make lawful monitoring and enforcement more difficult for Indian authorities.
Mahajan criticised Musk’s comments on Starlink’s pending permission to operate in India. He said the remarks appeared to place public pressure on the government over licensing requirements, while suggesting that Starlink may not be ready to comply with the conditions sought by Indian regulators.
Starlink Technology and Emergency Restrictions
Mahajan said Starlink’s system presents challenges for India’s regulatory requirements because it uses laser-based links to transmit data between satellites before the data reaches a ground station. The government is examining whether the system can ensure that data does not bypass Indian gateways during security-related emergencies.
He said a key condition is Starlink’s ability to precisely restrict services when directed by the government. The SJM maintained that Starlink has not committed to meeting this requirement, or that its technology may not allow it.
The organisation referred to the government’s recent internet ban during protests against the Election Commission, saying such steps can be necessary to prevent misuse of technology. It warned that satellite internet could potentially be used by hostile actors, smugglers or insurgent groups to communicate outside conventional telecom networks.
The RSS body urges blocking Starlink based on concerns it said were informed by experiences in Ukraine, Iran, Russia, China, Taiwan, South Africa, Brazil, Venezuela and Sudan. Mahajan identified Ukraine, Iran, Russia, China and Taiwan as particularly prominent case studies for a national-security assessment.
Alternative Satellite Internet Services
The SJM said India would not be left without satellite-based internet if Starlink does not obtain a licence. Mahajan said indigenous satellite internet services could be introduced, even if their launch is delayed, and could potentially offer lower-cost services while addressing national-security concerns.
He also said blocking Starlink would send a message to trade partners such as the United States, referring to high tariffs on Indian imports including handicraft products that have been justified on national-security grounds.
FAQ: Starlink Approval in India
Why does the RSS body urge blocking Starlink?
The SJM says Starlink should not receive approval unless it can meet India’s security conditions, including routing traffic through Indian gateways and restricting services when required during security emergencies.
Has the Indian government approved Starlink services?
Starlink’s permission to provide commercial satellite broadband services in India remains pending, according to the statements referenced by the SJM and Elon Musk.
What is the government’s response to Musk’s remarks?
The government rejected the suggestion that Starlink was being unfairly blocked and said India’s satellite communication regulations are fair and non-discriminatory.