Why RSS branch wants Center to deny Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet license in India | Today’s news
Jagran (SJM), an affiliate of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 urged the Union government to deny permission to Elon Musk-owned Starlink to launch commercial satellite broadband services in India, citing national security concerns, according to The Hindu.
SJM national co-convenor Ashwani Mahajan said in a statement that internet services sometimes need to be suspended during riots, terrorism-related incidents and other law and order situations to prevent the spread of rumors and inflammatory content on social media. The organization questioned whether Starlink technology would allow authorities to curtail services in certain areas when necessary.
“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.
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The statement comes amid protests by various organizations in New Delhi over alleged irregularities in the ongoing Special Intensive Reviews (SIR) exercise and demands for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
During recent hearings in petitions related to the alleged illegal detention and restriction of public movement during the protests, the Supreme Court also recently ordered the government to make “internet facilities work without hindrance”, The Hindu reported.
Why is SJM raising concerns about Starlink technology?
Mahajan raised concerns about Starlink’s use of laser links, which allow satellites to transmit data directly to each other before reaching a 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.
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The organization also pointed to security-related experiences in Ukraine, Iran, Russia, China and Taiwan to highlight the strategic implications of satellite Internet services.
SJM defends India’s domestic telecommunications infrastructure
The organization, which defends India’s existing telecom infrastructure, said domestic mobile and broadband networks provide affordable connectivity and can be throttled by authorities if necessary. She also emphasized cooperation between telecom operators and security agencies.
SJM 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 technological capabilities. She said home satellite Internet services could eventually provide affordable connectivity to remote areas.
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What did the SJM center call for?
SJM is urging the government to deny Starlink a license if the company cannot meet national security requirements.
The organization also linked the issue to India-US trade relations, arguing that India could restrict foreign companies on security grounds, just as other countries impose trade restrictions on Indian exports.
