The economic wing of the RSS has been urging the Center to deny Starlink license over security concerns

Elon Musk silhouette and Starlink logo. File | Photo credit: Reuters

Citing the need to curtail internet services during riots, terrorism-related incidents and other law and order situations, the Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM), the economic wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), on Tuesday (Oct 13, 2026) urged the Union government for broadband in India to reject Star’s commercial broadband services in India.

SJM national co-convenor Ashwani Mahajan said in a statement that internet services sometimes need to be suspended in such situations to prevent the spread of rumors and inflammatory content on social media. The organization questioned whether the Starlink technology would allow services to be curtailed in specific areas at the direction of the government.

“Currently, India is facing various law and order issues. In such situations, online social media often fuels rumors and anti-national narratives. Disruption of internet services often becomes necessary to maintain law and order during cases of separatism, terrorism, riots, protests and similar events,” he said.

The statement comes amid protests by various organizations in the state capital over alleged irregularities in the ongoing Special Intensive Review (SIR) exercise and demands for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

During the recent hearings of petitions related to the illegal detention and restriction of public movement during protests, the Supreme Court recently ordered the government to make “internet facilities work without hindrance”.

On laser joints

Mr Mahajan also raised concerns about the use of Starlink laser links, which allow satellites to transmit data directly to each other before reaching the ground station. SJM said Indian authorities needed assurances that domestic Internet traffic would pass through gateways in the country, rather than bypassing it through foreign infrastructure, which could complicate legal surveillance.

“Furthermore, there is concern that satellite internet could be misused by hostile actors, smugglers or insurgent groups to communicate outside conventional telecommunications networks. Unauthorized terminals have been found operating near sensitive borders and conflict zones. Security agencies have even intercepted Starlink equipment during several investigations,” SJM said.

He also refers to security-related experiences in Ukraine, Iran, Russia, China and Taiwan, among others, to highlight the strategic implications of satellite Internet services.

Domestic telecommunications infrastructure

In defense of India’s existing telecom infrastructure, the organization said domestic mobile and broadband networks provide affordable connectivity and can be throttled if required by authorities. She also emphasized cooperation between telecom operators and security agencies.

The organization cited India’s space programmes, including PSLV and Chandrayaan, as well as initiatives such as Gaganyaan, NISAR and Chandrayaan-4 to highlight the country’s growing capabilities. She said home satellite Internet services could eventually provide affordable connectivity to remote areas.

It urged the government to deny the company a license if it could not meet national security requirements and 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.

Published – 13 Oct 2026 21:01 IST