Archive · 9 Oct 2026
Chandrasekhar Says India’s Security Comes First in Starlink Row
Starlink is a satellite internet service that wants to operate in India.
Its rollout is waiting for security checks from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Rajeev Chandrasekhar said the checks apply to other satellite companies too.
He said India must protect its security, sovereignty, and people.
He rejected the idea that the delay was meant to help competitors.
He said companies should wait for the review to finish.
Chandrasekhar also spoke about H-1B visas in the United States.
He said Indian workers contribute to US technology, while some companies have been accused of misusing the visa process.
BJP Kerala president Rajeev Chandrasekhar said India’s national security and sovereignty take priority as Starlink awaits approval.
Satellite communication services are awaiting security clearances from India’s Ministry of Home Affairs, with other providers at a similar stage.
Chandrasekhar said a social-media post or an entrepreneur’s pressure would not change government policymaking.
He rejected the suggestion that approval delays were driven by competitive interests, saying providers were undergoing safety and trust checks.
Chandrasekhar also discussed H-1B visas, saying Indian talent benefits the US economy while acknowledging claims that some companies have misused the process.
- Who
- BJP Kerala president Rajeev Chandrasekhar discussed Starlink and satellite-service approvals.
- What
- He said India’s security priorities come first and disputed claims that approval delays reflect competitive interests.
- When
- October 9; the article identifies the day as Friday.
- Where
- New Delhi, India; Chandrasekhar spoke to IANS.
- Why
- Satellite communication services are awaiting security clearances, which Chandrasekhar said are needed to assess provider safety and trust.
Competitive-interest claim
Government security rationale
Reason for approval delays
Competitive-interest claim
Chandrasekhar said Elon Musk had suggested that delays for Starlink and other applicants might be motivated by competitive interests.
Government security rationale
Chandrasekhar rejected that suggestion, saying satellite providers were undergoing security checks to assess safety and trust.
- Speaker
- Rajeev Chandrasekhar, BJP Kerala president
- Company discussed
- Starlink, described by Chandrasekhar as a major mobility innovation
- Approval status
- Satellite communication services were awaiting security clearances
- Clearance authority
- India’s Ministry of Home Affairs
- Other applicants
- Chandrasekhar said three other companies had applied for permissions
- Government framework
- Chandrasekhar said the government’s technology principles were established in 2021
- Other topic
- Chandrasekhar discussed H-1B visas and Indian talent in the US technology sector