Dr. Swamy flags national security concerns over Starlink
BJP leader Subramanian Swamy on Thursday urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to conduct an urgent security review and suspend Starlink’s approval. Swamy pointed out that apart from national security angle, foreign satellite operations will trouble the network of defence and intervention of foreign courts also.
“I am writing to express my serious concern regarding the national security implications arising from the proposed introduction and operation of Starlink’s satellite-based internet services in India. In view of the strategic significance of communications infrastructure and the potential implications of foreign-controlled satellite networks, I urge the Ministry of Home Affairs to undertake an immediate and comprehensive security review and ensure that national security is not compromised in the pursuit of technological advancement or commercial interests.
“Satellite-based internet connectivity has the potential to improve communications, particularly in remote and underserved areas. However, the introduction of such services must be assessed not merely from the standpoint of technological advancement or commercial convenience, but primarily through the lens of national security, sovereignty, strategic autonomy and the protection of sensitive information,” said Swamy, seeking security review and suspension of Elon Musk’s Starlink operation in India.
Citing a series of security concerns from foreign satellites’ operations, Swamy pointed out the role of foreign courts’ interventions in India. “The operation of a satellite internet network raises important questions concerning foreign control over critical communications infrastructure, the routing and storage of sensitive data, access to network-related information by foreign entities, the effectiveness of lawful interception mechanisms, cyber vulnerabilities and the ability of Indian authorities to exercise effective oversight in accordance with Indian law,” said Swamy, adding concerns about Starlink satellites’ interventions on India’s defence networks.
“The competent authorities should examine whether adequate technical and legal safeguards exist to prevent unauthorised access, external interference, disruption of services and the exploitation of network vulnerabilities. The Government must also assess the extent to which Indian authorities would retain effective regulatory control, access to information necessary for lawful investigations, and the ability to issue and enforce directions in circumstances involving national security or public emergency,” said Swamy, seeking suspension and security review of Starlink.
In a detailed five-page letter, Swamy said that in the name of technology advancement, Nation’s security concerns can’t be ignored and asked Home Ministry to take concerns of Intelligence Bureau, Defence, Telecom and Information Technology Ministry. Subramanian Swamy’s letter is attached below:
Subramanian Swamy’s letter to Amit Shah on Starlink
Government gave a licence to Starlink by amending the Telecom Act to avoid auction of Spectrum. The amendment in the Act allowed the government to allot spectrum at administrative pricing, as demanded by Elon Musk. As per the 2012 landmark judgment of the Supreme Court, natural resources like spectrum must be auctioned. The government approached the apex court in this regard to avoid spectrum action for satellites. Swamy objected in the Supreme Court, and the government withdrew the petition and amended the Telecom Act to favour Elon Musk.
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