Satellite communications devices from Elon Musk's Starlink are at the centre of a growing controversy in India, after reports brought to light their use by drug smugglers and insurgents. 

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Department of Telecom (DoT) are now investigating, raising fresh hurdles for the company, whose licensing application has been stalled over security concerns, the Times of India reported on Saturday.

Starlink has come under fire for refusing to disclose the identities of individuals who originally procured the devices, citing data privacy laws. The refusal has heightened government concerns about illegal communication channels being exploited by criminal elements within the country.

Devices linked to major criminal activities

The issue came to light after a probe into a massive drug haul of 6000 kg of methamphetamine in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands revealed that Myanmarese smugglers were using Starlink satellite devices for navigation at sea. 

The smugglers reportedly operated satellite phones connected to Starlink, creating Wi-Fi hotspots for mid-sea communications, according to Andaman and Nicobar Islands DGP Hargobinder Singh Dhaliwal.

In another incident, Starlink devices were found in the possession of insurgents during raids conducted by the Army and Assam Rifles in Manipur. The discovery, which included communication equipment such as a Starlink dish and router, was highlighted in a tweet by the Indian Army's Spear Corps. This raised concerns about satellite communication services being used to aid insurgency activities.

Musk denies active Starlink services in India

Elon Musk, responding to allegations on X (formerly Twitter), denied that Starlink's services were operational in India, stating, "This is false. Starlink satellite beams are turned off over India." 

Despite Musk's assertions, the recovery of devices and their use by unlawful elements have alarmed security officials.

Regulatory Challenges for Starlink

Starlink's application for a satellite communication license has been pending with the Indian government for years due to security-related concerns. The government has requested detailed information from Starlink about measures to control illegal communication setups and secure data movement. 

Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia emphasized that Starlink would be granted a license only after meeting all security requirements.

"We are more than happy to grant them a license if they comply with all the conditions. Security concerns must be addressed first," Scindia said recently.

Starlink representatives have been engaging with officials from the DoT, MHA, and the Prime Minister's Office to resolve regulatory hurdles. However, the government remains cautious, seeking assurances that the company will prevent unauthorized use of its technology.

The ongoing controversy could further delay Starlink's entry into the Indian market. With heightened scrutiny over national security risks, the government's approval hinges on the company's ability to address these concerns effectively.

Agencies