SJM Calls for Denial of Starlink License Over Security Risks
The Swadeshi Jagran Manch urges the Indian government to reject Starlink's application, citing potential security threats.
SJM demands the government deny Starlink's broadband services due to security concerns.
Concerns raised about the technology's ability to restrict internet access during emergencies.
SJM highlights risks of satellite internet being exploited by hostile entities.
On October 13, 2026, the Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM), an affiliate of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), formally requested that the Indian government refuse a license to Starlink, the satellite internet service owned by Elon Musk. The organization expressed concerns regarding the implications of Starlink's technology on national security, particularly in situations of civil unrest, terrorism, and other law-and-order challenges.
SJM's national co-convenor, Ashwani Mahajan, emphasized the necessity of suspending internet services during crises to mitigate the spread of misinformation and inflammatory content. He questioned whether Starlink's infrastructure would allow the government to impose restrictions on internet access in specific areas, a critical capability during emergencies. This statement coincides with ongoing protests in New Delhi regarding alleged irregularities in the electoral process, further highlighting the current climate of unrest.
In addition to the request for a license denial, Mahajan raised alarms about Starlink's use of laser links, which facilitate direct data transmission between satellites before reaching ground stations. The SJM insisted that Indian authorities require guarantees that domestic internet traffic would remain within national boundaries, avoiding potential complications in lawful monitoring. The organization cited concerns that satellite internet could be misused by criminal elements and insurgent groups, referencing past incidents where Starlink equipment was found in sensitive regions.
The SJM also drew parallels with security issues faced by countries like Ukraine and Iran, underscoring the strategic risks associated with satellite internet services. They defended India's existing telecommunications infrastructure, asserting that domestic networks provide reliable and affordable connectivity while allowing for necessary restrictions by authorities when needed. The organization pointed to India's advancements in space technology, including successful missions like PSLV and Chandrayaan, to argue for the development of indigenous satellite internet solutions.
Looking ahead, the SJM urged the government to deny Starlink's application if it fails to meet national security standards. They also suggested that India could impose restrictions on foreign companies based on security concerns, similar to measures taken by other nations against Indian exports. The outcome of this request could significantly impact India's approach to satellite internet services and its broader trade relations with the United States.
