Starlink devices found in the hands of drug smugglers and militants have sparked a standoff between Elon Musk’s SpaceX and the Indian government. As Starlink refuses to disclose purchaser identities citing privacy concerns, the Modi administration faces mounting pressure to ensure compliance with Indian laws.
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By PC Bureau
The Indian government finds itself at a crossroads as it confronts the refusal of Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, to share the identities of those who purchased its devices, which have allegedly been used by smugglers in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and militants in Manipur. Musk, a global tech icon and a former advisor to Donald Trump, is now at the center of this controversy, raising questions about how India will navigate this sensitive issue.
Starlink, owned by Musk’s SpaceX, has declined to disclose purchaser identities, citing data privacy concerns. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has done little to compel the company to comply with Indian laws. This lack of action has drawn criticism, particularly in light of high-profile incidents involving Starlink devices.
In the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, authorities uncovered Starlink devices used by smugglers in a record-breaking seizure of 6,000 kilograms of methamphetamine. These smugglers reportedly used the devices to create Wi-Fi hotspots via satellite connections. Hargobinder Singh Dhaliwal, Director General of Police for the Andamans, confirmed the role of satellite communication in the smuggling operation.
Similar devices were also found in possession of insurgents in Manipur, a state grappling with ongoing unrest. Despite these findings, Musk publicly denied on X (formerly Twitter) that Starlink services are operational in India, stating, “This is false. Starlink satellite beams are turned off over India.” This denial has further frustrated Indian authorities, who claim to have evidence to the contrary.
Spectrum Allocation: A Win for Starlink?
Complicating matters, India recently revised its approach to allocating satellite spectrum, which is critical for services like Starlink. Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced that satellite spectrum would not be auctioned—a departure from the method used for mobile network spectrum. Instead, pricing and allocation will be determined by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
This new policy has been welcomed by Starlink and other international players like Amazon’s Kuiper, as it removes the financial burden of competitive bidding. However, it has drawn opposition from Indian telecom giants Jio and Airtel, who favored an auction model. The decision could potentially pave the way for Starlink to expand its operations in India, despite the ongoing controversies.
The Government’s Dilemma
With Musk’s global influence and potential backing from figures like Donald Trump, the Indian government faces a complex challenge. Starlink’s entry into the Indian market would boost connectivity in remote areas, aligning with India’s digital ambitions. However, the refusal to share critical information about device misuse raises significant national security concerns.
The Modi government must now balance its commitment to digital progress with the need to ensure compliance with Indian laws. Whether it will stand firm against Starlink’s non-cooperation or accommodate Musk’s satellite service remains to be seen.
As the debate unfolds, all eyes are on how India will assert its authority while navigating the pressures of global tech diplomacy. The outcome could set a precedent for how multinational tech companies engage with Indian regulations, particularly in sensitive sectors like telecommunications and national security.
