Influential Hindu Group Urges India to Block Starlink Amid Musk-Ambani Feud
The RSS-affiliated group said Starlink could hinder surveillance and allow hostile actors to bypass domestic gateways.
- On Tuesday, the RSS-affiliated Swadeshi Jagran Manch asked the government to block Elon Musk's Starlink from launching satellite broadband in India, citing national security concerns amid protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in Delhi.
- The SJM cited national security concerns, comparing Starlink to past objections against Chinese firms Huawei and ZTE during India's 5G rollout, and claimed the satellite's laser-link architecture could bypass domestic gateways.
- Musk recently targeted Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani, alleging 'certain oligarchs' created a 'monopolistic chokehold' to delay Starlink's launch. The SJM statement counters these attacks, supporting tighter regulatory controls.
- The government rejected claims of discriminatory treatment, asserting its regulatory framework is 'fair and non-discriminatory.' SJM national co-convenor Ashwani Mahajan added that India could offer cheaper indigenous satellite services while maintaining security.
- Mahajan suggested blocking Starlink would signal to the US that India can retaliate against arbitrary import tariffs on Indian goods, framing the regulatory dispute as broader geopolitical leverage over trade and security.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Channel News Asia
Influential Hindu group urges India to block Starlink amid Musk-Ambani feud
BENGALURU, Oct 13 : An influential Hindu nationalist group close to India's ruling party urged the government on Tuesday to block Elon Musk's Starlink from launching satellite internet services in the country, citing national security concerns. Starlink's four-year wait to launch in India has come under re
Swadeshi Jagran Manch urges Govt to ban Elon Musk's Starlink
Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) on October 13, 2026 asked the government to block Elon Musk’s Starlink from launching commercial satellite broadband services in India. SJM argued that Starlink’s technology could make internet restrictions and security-related surveillance difficult. “Currently, India is grappling with various law-and-order challenges. In such situations, internet-based social media often fuels rumours and anti-national narratives,” …
RSS body demands ban on India entry of Elon Musks Starlink, cites national security risks - The Tribune
The Swadeshi Jagran Manch, the economic wing of ruling BJP’s ideological mentor RSS, today condemned statements of SpaceX founder Elon Musk with respect to India and sought a ban on the entry of his firm Starlink to the country. SJM’s national co-convener Ashwani Mahajan cited national security risks from Starlink to seek a ban on […]
The report said India should maintain control over data flow, network access and the ability to shut down services in an emergency.
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