RSS economic wing urges Centre to deny Starlink licence over security concerns

The silhouette of Elon Musk and Starlink logo. File | Photo Credit: Reuters

Citing the need to curtail internet services during riots, terrorism-related incidents and other law-and-order situations, Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM), the economic wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), on Tuesday (October 13, 2026) urged the Union government to deny Elon Musk-owned Starlink permission to launch commercial satellite broadband services in India.

In a statement, SJM national co-convenor Ashwani Mahajan said internet services sometimes need to be suspended during such situations to prevent the spread of rumours and inflammatory content on social media. The organisation questioned whether Starlink’s technology would allow services to be restricted in specific areas at the government’s direction.

“Currently, India is grappling with various law-and-order challenges. In such situations, internet-based social media often fuels rumours and anti-national narratives. Disrupting internet services frequently becomes essential to maintain law and order during instances of separatism, terrorism, riots, protests, and similar events,” he said.