The discovery of a Starlink satellite antenna and router in Manipur’s Imphal East district in mid-December has raised critical questions about the potential use of SpaceX’s Starlink technology by militants in India, even without regulatory approval.
Billionaire Elon Musk, who owns SpaceX, has denied allegations that his company’s satellite internet service is being utilized by militants in Manipur. These denials came after the Indian Army and police seized firearms, ammunition, and what appeared to be a Starlink-branded satellite device during an operation. While Starlink is yet to secure regulatory approval to operate in India, the company is set to launch its services in neighboring Bangladesh and Bhutan by 2025.
The discovery has triggered debate over whether non-state actors, including militants, might be bypassing geographic restrictions on Starlink’s satellite internet to enable secure communication and operations.
The Controversy Surrounding Starlink in India
The controversy erupted on December 16, when the Indian Army’s Spear Corps shared photos on X (formerly Twitter) showing weapons and ammunition seized during a raid in Manipur. Among the seized items was a satellite device and router branded with SpaceX’s logo. The router bore markings suggesting its association with the RPF/PLA, a banned Myanmar-based Meitei extremist group.
When an X user claimed that Starlink technology was being used by militants, Musk responded, stating, “This is false. Starlink satellite beams are turned off over India.” According to Starlink’s official coverage map, the service is not currently active in India or Myanmar.
However, this is not the first instance of SpaceX being linked to potential misuse in India. Just a month earlier, smugglers from Myanmar were intercepted by police in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Alongside over 6,000 kilograms of methamphetamine, authorities also recovered a Starlink device allegedly used for navigation and communication, despite the service being prohibited in Indian waters.
How Are Militants in Manipur Using Starlink?
It remains unclear whether the seized Starlink equipment in Manipur was functional or how it may have been used. While Musk has reiterated that Starlink beams are not active in India, questions persist about the possibility of cross-border use over land, sea, or air. SpaceX has stated that it can deactivate terminals found to be used by unauthorized or sanctioned entities after conducting an investigation.
Indian Laws on Satellite Internet Devices
India has stringent laws regulating the use of satellite communication devices, even in non-conflict zones. Under Section 6 of the Indian Wireless Act and Section 20 of the Indian Telegraph Act, the use of satellite phones like Thuraya and Iridium is illegal without official permission. Indian embassies worldwide warn travelers, both Indian and foreign, against bringing satellite phones into the country without proper authorization, as these devices could be confiscated, and users might face legal consequences.
These regulations are primarily intended to prevent the misuse of satellite technology by militants and terrorists. In 2022, officials reported evidence of Iridium satellite phone usage in the Kashmir Valley, underscoring the risks such devices pose in sensitive regions.
Implications for Starlink’s Entry Into India
Starlink’s ambitions to enter the Indian market face stiff competition from Reliance Jio, owned by billionaire Mukesh Ambani. The discovery of Starlink hardware in Manipur could further complicate SpaceX’s efforts by raising doubts about the company’s ability to comply with India’s strict regulatory framework. Additionally, concerns over potential misuse by non-state actors could prompt stricter scrutiny from Indian authorities.
While the situation remains under investigation, it highlights the challenges of regulating cutting-edge satellite technology in an era of global connectivity. As India grapples with balancing technological advancements with national security, the role of Starlink in sensitive regions like Manipur is likely to remain a contentious issue.
