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Chandrasekhar Urges Patience on Starlink’s India Approval
Starlink wants to offer satellite internet in India.
Former minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar said the company needs to pass security checks first.
He said satellite internet and encrypted calls can create security challenges.
He also said terrorists have used satellite communications.
Chandrasekhar praised Starlink’s technology, but said India must protect its interests.
He said companies need to be patient while the checks are completed.
India’s telecom ministry said all satellite companies face the same rules.
Starlink cannot begin commercial service until it completes the required processes.
Former minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar said Starlink must complete security checks before spectrum allocation.
He cited security risks involving satellite internet, voice-over-internet services and encryption.
Chandrasekhar said satellite communications had been used by terrorists, citing the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the Pahalgam attack.
He praised Starlink’s technology but said India must consider its national interests before approving new services.
The telecom ministry said satellite communication companies face the same regulatory and security requirements; Starlink must complete them before commercial operations.
- Who
- Former minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Starlink and India’s telecom ministry.
- What
- Chandrasekhar urged patience while Starlink completes security and regulatory requirements for approval in India.
- Where
- India.
- When
- Chandrasekhar’s post was dated October 9, 2026; the telecom ministry’s response was described as coming on Thursday.
- Why
- Authorities say satellite communications, including internet voice services and encryption, raise security concerns that must be addressed before commercial operations.
Security and regulatory requirements
Concerns about barriers to entry
Why Starlink’s entry is delayed
Security and regulatory requirements
Chandrasekhar said security verification and regulatory processes are necessary before spectrum allocation and commercial service.
Concerns about barriers to entry
Elon Musk alleged that domestic business interests were preventing Starlink from entering the Indian market.
How rules are applied
Security and regulatory requirements
The telecom ministry said all satellite communication companies face the same regulatory and security requirements.
Concerns about barriers to entry
Musk’s allegation raised the possibility that domestic interests were obstructing Starlink, though the article provides no further details supporting that claim.
Key facts
- Security review
- Chandrasekhar said safety and trust verification should precede spectrum allocation.
- Risks cited
- Satellite internet, satellite voice-over-internet services and encryption were identified as security challenges.
- Attacks mentioned
- Chandrasekhar referred to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and the Pahalgam attack.
- Regulatory position
- The telecom ministry said satellite communication companies are subject to the same regulatory and security requirements.
- Commercial launch
- Starlink must complete applicable regulatory and security processes before starting commercial operations in India.
- Chandrasekhar’s framework
- He described the principles as openness, safety and trust, and accountability.
- Potential benefit
- Starlink’s entry could expand connectivity in remote and underserved areas.
Quotes
Rajeev Chandrasekhar
Former Union minister of state for electronics and information technology
“A country has to plan for itself and its interests before every new choice. That's what India is doing. Patience is unavoidable and in this case is a necessity.”
businesstoday.in
“These are not insurmountable, but new capabilities and capacity have to be built to ensure safety and trust.”
businesstoday.in
Sources
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