Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service is facing a significant challenge in India following the seizure of two of its devices in recent weeks. Musk’s comments on December 18 marked his first public acknowledgment of the situation, revealing that Starlink services were “inactive in India” after the devices were seized in distinct incidents—one in an armed conflict zone and another during a drug smuggling operation.
Starlink, the satellite internet initiative owned by Musk, is currently seeking approval to launch its services in India. However, these recent events have raised concerns about security and regulatory hurdles. Musk clarified via X (formerly Twitter) that “Starlink satellite beams are turned off over India” and were “never on in the first place,” signaling that the devices had not been operational in the country.
The controversy ignited after the Indian Army’s post on December 13 about a search operation in Manipur, a region battling ongoing communal conflict. The post included images of weapons, as well as a Starlink device, which was found in the possession of a militant group. According to military sources, the device was likely smuggled through the porous border with Myanmar, a region known for its complex security issues.
This isn’t the first time Starlink has faced scrutiny in India. Earlier this month, Indian authorities issued a legal demand to the company, seeking details on a device found in possession of smugglers who were caught at sea with a massive $4.2 billion worth of methamphetamine. The police suspect that the device was being used to navigate illicit operations, highlighting concerns about how the technology might be misused.
As Starlink continues to push for approval to offer satellite broadband services in India, the company will need to address these security concerns and ensure that its technology doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. With its global ambitions, the fate of Starlink in India remains uncertain as the company works to overcome these significant obstacles.
Starlink’s struggles in India exemplify the challenges tech companies face when navigating complex geopolitical and security landscapes, especially in regions with heightened tensions and regulatory scrutiny. As the situation unfolds, the company’s ability to address both regulatory issues and security concerns will be critical to its future success in the country.
