Starlink, the satellite internet network of Elon Musk’s company SpaceX, is counted among the most modern internet networks in the world. It plays an important role in providing internet to remote areas. But its technical strength also comes with some serious security concerns. As Starlink wants to expand its services in India, questions are being raised whether increasing the dependence of the country’s communication infrastructure on the network of a foreign company can be risky in terms of national security?
Musk’s relationship with the US government, SpaceX’s role in US defense and space programs and the decisions taken regarding Starlink during the Russia-Ukraine war make this debate more important.
Is Starlink a threat to India?
These risks have been analyzed in the report named Starlink and Risks for India by Takshila Institution. According to the report, Starlink’s network is so big that it will not be easy for India to reduce its dependence on it in future. The concern is not limited only to the availability of internet, but also about who will control the operation of the network in case of crisis or war.
Despite Indian regulations, the company operating the network remains under US jurisdiction and influence of the government there. In such a situation, the question is that if India’s national security interests and the company’s business interests or American strategic interests collide with each other, then who will have control over the communication services?
How big is Starlink network?
Starlink is operating as the world’s largest satellite internet network. According to the report of Takshila Institution, more than 10,000 of its active satellites are present in the lower orbit of the Earth i.e. Low Earth Orbit (LEO). It has been said in the report that this number is about two-thirds of the total operational satellites in the world.
The technical capability of its parent company SpaceX is also a big reason behind this growth of Starlink. SpaceX builds its own satellites and operates reusable rockets. With this, the company can send a large number of satellites into space in a short time. This ability keeps him at the forefront.
Why is it a matter of concern for India?
Starlink’s technical capabilities could be beneficial to India, especially in areas where traditional internet connectivity is difficult to reach. But excessive dependence on this network can also create a new problem.
As more people, institutions and critical services rely on Starlink, it will become increasingly difficult to move to another network or reduce reliance on its services. In the event of an emergency, if Starlink services are interrupted, it may be difficult to immediately access an alternative communication system.
More importantly, the operation of the satellite network and the ability to control it is completely with the company. That means Starlink can provide internet in India, but many important decisions related to the operation of the network remain under the control of its parent company SpaceX.
This is why the question before security experts is how India will save an important part of its communication system from becoming dependent on a foreign company. It is one thing to use a technically better network, but it is another thing to maintain control over it during a crisis. With the provision of the network, a huge amount of user data will reach the company, which can be misused in times of crisis.
Relations with Donald Trump, what to worry about?
To understand the security concerns related to Starlink, it is important to also pay attention to Elon Musk’s relations with American politics and government. Musk played an important role in Donald Trump’s campaign in the 2024 US presidential election. After this he came as the leader of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) of the US government. In the year 2025, there was a public confrontation between Trump and Musk, but the political relations between the two did not end completely.
What is the role of SpaceX in America’s defense?
However, Musk’s influence is not limited to his relationship with Trump. His company SpaceX also provides important services for America’s safety and space programs. The company launches satellites for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and the US Space Force. Apart from this, it also helps in military operations like warning of missiles and monitoring their activities. The US space agency NASA also depends on SpaceX for missions sending astronauts to space and the Artemis lunar exploration program.
Due to these relationships, SpaceX has become a strategically important company for the US government. His role in the defense and space sectors gives Elon Musk an influential position within the American system.
How much control does the US government have over SpaceX?
There is another aspect to the relationship between Elon Musk and the US government. While SpaceX is important to US defense and space programs, the company itself also depends on the US government and regulatory framework.
How does the government influence the company?
SpaceX requires government contracts, regulatory approvals, spectrum allocation and licenses related to sending satellites into space. Through these arrangements the US government continues to have influence over the company. This may also affect Starlink, because it is SpaceX’s network.
How big a threat is data?
The report of Takshashila Institution has expressed concern over possible situations in which America’s strategic interests and India’s interests may collide with each other. In such a situation, the US government can put pressure on SpaceX to share the data collected from Starlink operations in India, continue internet connectivity in some areas or stop services in other areas.
How effective will India’s safety rules be?
India has set strict security rules for companies providing satellite communication services. These include restrictions on setting up gateways within the country, complying with government surveillance requirements, and restrictions on the use and management of data. The purpose of these rules is to ensure that companies operating in India follow the laws and security requirements of the country. But according to the report of Takshila Institution, despite these measures, the question of actual control over the operation of the network is not completely resolved.
Why did Starlink’s role in the Ukraine war raise concerns?
The most famous example of the risks associated with reliance on Starlink came during the war between Russia and Ukraine. Starlink started providing internet connectivity in Ukraine after Russia attacked Ukraine in February 2022. Gradually this network became important for the communication of the government and army of Ukraine.
However, later many controversies also emerged regarding the availability and use of the network. According to a July 2023 investigative report by The New York Times, Musk had several times limited Starlink’s access through geofencing. Geofencing is a technique through which services can be limited or stopped in a particular area.
According to reports, Musk did not even accept the Ukrainian military’s demand to start Starlink service around Crimea. It was revealed that this would impact military operations. These incidents raised the question to what extent could the decisions of a private company affect a country’s communications system and military activities during an active war.