SJM Demands Government Block Starlink Amid National Security Concerns

The Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM), a right-wing affiliate of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has urged the Indian government to block Elon MuskIt was Starlink from launching commercial satellite broadband services in the country. The SJM points out that Starlink's technology could make internet restrictions and security-related surveillance more difficult.

Posing a challenge to the government's efforts to maintain law and order during times of unrest.

India's internet regulator, the SJM, has issued guidelines requiring the government to implement measures to prevent foreign internet traffic from bypassing domestic gateways. The SJM also mandates that Starlink, a satellite internet service, can be directed to restrict its services to a specific geographic area in the event of a national security or law enforcement concern, in order to safeguard the country from potential misuse of internet services for anti-national activities.

Read More: Modi Inaugurates Chennai Metro Rail Phase II, Pledges Central Support for Tamil Nadu's Development

Comparing Starlink's satellite network to traditional telecom infrastructure. The SJM notes that government directives can compel incumbent operators to disrupt or limit internet access in designated areas. In contrast, Starlink's unique satellite design poses a significant hurdle: its satellites can engage in laser-based communication with one another, effectively bypassing ground stations and creating a complex web of data transmission.

Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia has clarified that security clearances for Starlink fall within the domain of the home ministry. However, the SJM has expressed concerns that the government must take proactive measures to ensure that Starlink's services do not pose a threat to national security.

Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel dominate India's terrestrial telecom market, and both have satellite-internet interests. Jio has a satellite venture with SES, while Bharti is a major shareholder in Eutelsat, which operates OneWeb. Both companies have entered into agreements with SpaceX to explore distribution of Starlink services in India.

The SJM has linked its demand to block Starlink to India's trade relationship with the United States. According to the SJM, blocking Starlink would send a message to trade partners like the US that India will not tolerate arbitrary restrictions on its imports, including handicraft products.

The SJM believes that this stance is essential to maintain national security and protect India's interests.

Also Read: 40,000 Paramilitary Forces Deployed in Delhi as Protest Seeks CEC Resignation

According to Mahajan, the SJM's national co-convener, Starlink is not prepared to meet the specific requirements of India's security concerns. He suggests that Elon Musk may be attempting to create public pressure against the government or is making statements out of frustration.

The future of Starlink in India remains uncertain, with the SJM's demand to block the service gaining traction. The government has yet to respond to the SJM's concerns, and it remains to be seen how it will address the issue.

However, one thing is clear: the SJM's stance on Starlink is a reflection of India's commitment to maintaining national security and protecting its interests in the face of global competition.