Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) has urged the Narendra Modi government to deny Elon Musk-owned Starlink permission to launch commercial satellite broadband services in India, arguing that national security, regulatory control and technological self-reliance must take precedence over the rapid expansion of foreign satellite internet networks. In a memorandum submitted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 23, following a demonstration against Starlink at Teen Murti Marg in New Delhi, the organisation called for the development of affordable, indigenous satellite-based internet services instead of granting approval to a company that, it alleges, has yet to adequately address the government's security-related concerns.
The memorandum, signed by SJM National Co-Convenor Dr Ashwani Mahajan, places the Starlink licensing issue within a broader debate over India's digital sovereignty, the security of communications infrastructure and the country's ability to develop domestic alternatives to foreign technology providers.
According to the memorandum, Starlink has applied for a licence to provide commercial satellite broadband services in India, but the application has neither been approved nor rejected. SJM alleges that the company has not adequately responded to clarifications sought by the Indian government on national security grounds. It also questions whether Starlink's technology can fully comply with India's regulatory requirements.
A major concern raised by the organisation relates to the company's use of laser-based links that allow satellites to transmit data directly to one another before it reaches a ground station. SJM argues that such an arrangement could complicate the government's efforts to ensure that Indian internet traffic passes through domestic gateways and remains subject to Indian laws and security procedures.
The memorandum maintains that the government must be able to restrict or suspend services in specific areas whenever security or law-and-order situations demand such action. It questions whether Starlink can provide the level of operational control required by Indian authorities, particularly during emergencies.
These concerns reflect a wider policy question confronting governments worldwide: how to accommodate advanced communication technologies while retaining effective oversight over networks that operate beyond conventional terrestrial infrastructure.
SJM has also highlighted the potential use of satellite internet by hostile actors, smugglers and insurgent groups seeking communication channels beyond the reach of conventional telecom networks. The memorandum refers to reports of unauthorised satellite terminals operating near sensitive borders and conflict zones, and states that Starlink equipment has been recovered during several investigations.
The organisation argues that internet connectivity can become a law-and-order concern during terrorism-related incidents, separatist activities, riots and other disturbances. In such circumstances, the ability of authorities to restrict communications in affected areas is considered an important instrument of security management.
The memorandum cites experiences in countries including Ukraine, Iran, Russia, China and Taiwan as relevant case studies for assessing the security implications of satellite-based communication systems.
However, these concerns are presented as SJM's assessment and arguments for caution, rather than as a final determination by the Indian government that Starlink is unsuitable for the country. The central demand of the organisation is that regulatory approval should depend on demonstrable compliance with India's security requirements.
Beyond opposing Starlink's proposed entry, SJM has argued that India should strengthen its own capabilities in satellite-based communication. The organisation points to the country's existing mobile and broadband infrastructure, which it describes as affordable and responsive to the requirements of security agencies.
The memorandum draws a parallel with India's earlier experience in developing fifth-generation mobile technology. It recalls the organisation's opposition to the participation of Chinese telecom companies Huawei and ZTE in 5G trials on security grounds. It further argues that Indian companies and scientists subsequently advanced domestic technology, which the document refers to as 5Gi, alongside the development of indigenous 4G capabilities.
For SJM, the lesson is that concerns about dependence on foreign technology should encourage domestic innovation rather than compel India to accept technologies that may not meet its security requirements.
The organisation acknowledges that India entered the space technology sector later than some established global powers but argues that the country has made substantial progress through satellite launches, lunar missions and other space programmes. It cites initiatives such as Gaganyaan, NISAR, Chandrayaan-4, Shukrayaan and the proposed Indian Space Station as examples of the country's expanding ambitions in space.
It also points to the growing participation of private enterprises in the space sector, suggesting that a combination of public-sector capabilities, private investment and government support could help India develop a competitive satellite internet ecosystem.
The memorandum makes an economic argument alongside its security concerns. SJM expects Starlink's services to be significantly more expensive than existing mobile data and broadband offerings in India. It argues that allowing domestic satellite internet providers to mature could eventually deliver connectivity to remote and underserved regions at affordable prices.
Satellite broadband can be particularly valuable in areas where laying fibre-optic cables or building extensive terrestrial telecom infrastructure is difficult. For India, which has geographically diverse terrain and communities in isolated locations, the development of reliable satellite connectivity could help expand access to digital services.
SJM maintains that even if indigenous satellite internet services take longer to become commercially available, the delay would be preferable to compromising national security. It further argues that denying Starlink a licence, if the company cannot satisfy the government's requirements, could encourage investment in domestic alternatives.
The memorandum does not provide a detailed cost comparison or a timeline for the proposed indigenous services. Nevertheless, its position is clear: India should seek a model that combines technological advancement with affordability, regulatory control and strategic autonomy.
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