India blocks China-linked satellites; broadcasters begin transition amid security reforms

New Delhi: In a decisive move to strengthen its national security infrastructure, India has started blocking satellites linked to China from its broadcast and communication networks. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has denied proposals from Chinese satellite operators, including ChinaSat and Hong Kong-based ApStar and AsiaSat, to provide services to Indian broadcasters and teleport operators.

AsiaSat, which has been serving Indian broadcasters for over three decades, is now authorised to operate only two of its satellites, AS5 and AS7, with approval valid until March 2026. Requests for using its other satellites (AS6, AS8, AS9) have been declined. Broadcasters such as Zee Entertainment Enterprises and JioStar Networks have already begun migrating their broadcast services. Zee confirmed shifting operations to India’s GSAT-30, GSAT-17, and US-based Intelsat-20 satellites by mid-September 2025, while JioStar plans a complete migration of its 130 channels to GSAT-17 and Intelsat-20 by the end of this year, ensuring no disruption with a phased dual illumination transmission period.

This major policy shift is part of a broader regulatory overhaul requiring all foreign satellites to obtain explicit IN-SPACe approval before operating in India. Indian officials have emphasised sufficient domestic satellite capacity through the GSAT series, reflecting a strategic emphasis on digital sovereignty and reducing dependency on foreign satellite infrastructure, especially with ongoing geopolitical tensions with China.

The move not only tightens control over critical communication services but also supports India’s aim to boost its space economy—projected to grow to $44 billion by 2033 and to increase its share of the global market from 2% to 8%. Analysts view the transition away from Chinese-linked satellites as a clear signal of India’s commitment to secure its communication infrastructure against potential vulnerabilities amid geopolitical challenges.

Broadcasters and teleport operators must complete their migration from Chinese-linked satellites by March 2026 to avoid service disruptions, ushering in a new era focused on homegrown and trusted foreign satellite systems in India’s burgeoning space sector.