According to a report by the Economic Times (ET), the proposal remains under discussion among relevant government departments. The plan aims to ensure that traffic carried by foreign satellite internet providers passes through a dedicated hardware device, creating an additional layer of security oversight.
The proposed monitor could be installed either at subscribers’ premises or at satellite ground stations, giving India a mechanism to exercise tighter control over satellite internet traffic.
“All satellite traffic will have to pass through this hardware,” an official told ET on condition of anonymity.
The proposal reflects the government’s concerns about the potential security risks posed by foreign-operated satellite networks, including Starlink, if they function without the required domestic safeguards.
Unlike traditional broadband services, satellite internet relies on networks of satellites and ground infrastructure to provide connectivity. The government wants to establish a mechanism to oversee this traffic and address potential threats, particularly when communications become sensitive during a national security emergency or conflict.
According to the report, the proposed monitoring device is intended to create a dedicated security layer that would give India greater control over traffic carried by foreign satellite operators.
To develop the device, the Centre will reportedly work with public-sector research organisations experienced in communications. Some private companies may also be involved in the process. However, the government has yet to finalise the device’s technical design, operational framework or potential introduction timeline.
The proposal comes as Starlink continues to face regulatory hurdles in India. Government officials have previously stated that the company has not fulfilled certain requirements, including those related to domestic infrastructure. Elon Musk has also expressed frustration over delays in bringing Starlink’s satellite internet services to the Indian market.
The government maintains that all satellite internet providers must satisfy India’s security requirements before obtaining spectrum and launching services. The Centre has also rejected Starlink’s allegations of discrimination, stating that Starlink, Eutelsat OneWeb and Reliance Jio’s satellite business are at the same stage of the approval process.
However, concerns surrounding foreign satellite internet services extend beyond Starlink’s regulatory discussions in India. According to the report, officials have also taken note of complaints involving the company in Iran, Namibia, South Africa and Ukraine.
Iran, Namibia and South Africa have raised concerns about Starlink providing services without the required permissions. In Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused the company of slowing internet speeds and hampering the country during its ongoing war with Russia.
International scrutiny of Starlink is reportedly another factor contributing to India’s concerns. The government is wary of becoming overly dependent on a foreign satellite internet provider for critical services, particularly defence. Officials are concerned that decisions taken by a private company could affect connectivity when it is most essential, including during a conflict.
Several countries already operate their own satellite systems. Russia and China have domestic satellite networks, while the European Union has Eutelsat OneWeb. India is also looking to expand its satellite internet capabilities, with Reliance Jio expected to develop a low-Earth-orbit satellite constellation in the coming years.
For now, the proposed hardware-based security monitor remains under discussion, with no final decision on its design or implementation. If the government proceeds with the plan, foreign satellite internet providers seeking to operate in India could face an additional security requirement, potentially shaping how their networks deliver connectivity within the country.
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