Archive · 10 Oct 2026
Why India Should Build Its Own Communications Infrastructure
The article says India should be careful about relying on communication systems controlled from other countries.
The author argues that a foreign company might limit or switch off a service during a crisis.
The article also says that some private messaging tools may be difficult for governments to oversee.
It describes these risks as important because communication networks can matter for safety and national security.
The author believes India should build more of its own technology instead.
Examples named include NavIC, BharatNet and Sandes.
The article says this could help India stay in control of its communications.
These are the author’s views, not a neutral assessment shared by all sides.
The author argues that India should not depend on Starlink or BitChat for critical communications.
The article warns that foreign-controlled networks could become tools of geopolitical pressure during a crisis.
It cites Starlink’s role in Ukraine as an example of a private provider influencing the availability of connectivity.
The author argues that decentralized apps such as BitChat could impede lawful oversight and accountability.
It urges India to strengthen domestic alternatives, including satellite systems, telecom networks, BharatNet and Sandes.
- Who
- Hindol Sengupta, a professor of international relations at O. P. Jindal Global University, presents the argument.
- What
- An opinion article argues that India should avoid dependence on Starlink and BitChat and develop sovereign communications infrastructure.
- Where
- India
- Why
- The author says foreign-controlled or unaccountable networks could create strategic vulnerabilities and weaken India’s control over critical communications.
Prioritize sovereignty
Prioritize access and efficiency
Foreign communications services
Prioritize sovereignty
The author argues that dependence on foreign-owned networks could give outside companies or governments leverage over India’s communications during a crisis.
Prioritize access and efficiency
The article describes the opposing market argument as favoring foreign services when they offer faster deployment, lower costs, or better connectivity.
Decentralized messaging
Prioritize sovereignty
The author argues that protocols designed to resist oversight can undermine lawful interception and accountability.
Prioritize access and efficiency
The article notes that supporters present decentralized protocols as censorship-resistant alternatives, though it does not provide their response to the author’s security concerns.
- Article type
- Opinion
- Author
- Hindol Sengupta
- Platforms discussed
- Starlink and BitChat
- Satellite navigation example
- The article cites NavIC as an indigenous system developed after concerns about dependence on GPS.
- Domestic connectivity example
- BharatNet
- Secure communications example
- Sandes
- Suggested direction
- Develop Indian and joint-venture communications systems with key infrastructure under sovereign jurisdiction.