Starlink Licensing Hold Up Highlights India’s Security‑First Approach

New Delhi, October 9 – Elon Musk’s recent post questioning the delay in granting Starlink a licence in India sparked a swift reaction from former Union Minister Rajiv Chandrasekhar. Posting on X, Chandrasekhar outlined why the Indian government is taking a cautious stance.

He explained that the country’s technology and telecommunications policies now revolve around three guiding principles – openness, safety and accountability – and that any new entrant must pass a stringent security clearance before spectrum allocation.

The openness component prevents monopolistic control and encourages healthy competition. The safety and trusted element demands that infrastructure be resilient against cyber‑threats and potential misuse. Accountability ensures that every party involved can be held legally liable for violations.

Having personally tested Starlink’s satellite internet, Chandrasekhar acknowledged its impressive performance and its promise for remote connectivity. Nonetheless, he stressed that national security considerations, especially in a region facing terrorism and insurgency, dictate a thorough vetting process.

Referencing past events such as the 26/11 attacks, he warned that satellite‑based voice‑over‑IP and encrypted communications can pose challenges for intelligence agencies. He assured that India is developing new capabilities to mitigate these risks while treating all satellite service providers equitably.