Experts are questioning Elon Musk’s Starlink plans in India due to national security and data concerns. During a CNN-News18 discussion, Anand Narasimhan said Musk had “permanently damaged" his relationship with India. Experts argued that India should prioritize domestic companies like Airtel and Reliance Jio over foreign private satellite communication providers.
Experts have raised questions over Musk’s Starlink plans in India, citing concerns over data, national security and control of satellite communications.
Elon Musk’s Starlink plans in India have triggered a wider debate over national security, data sovereignty and the risks of allowing a foreign private company to control critical communication infrastructure. During a CNN-News18 panel discussion, Managing Editor, Special Projects and senior anchor at CNN-News18, Anand Narasimhan said Musk had “permanently damaged" his relationship with India, while Shawan Sen highlighted concerns over Starlink’s role during conflicts.
Narasimhan criticised what he described as Musk’s approach towards countries that do not readily accept his terms. Referring to Musk’s remarks, he said, “If you allow us, we will recognise you as a great nation. Otherwise, you’re a nation that needs to be saved."
Narasimhan said the attitude suggested that Musk viewed countries favourably when they “roll out the red carpet" for him. He questioned whether India should allow a foreign entrepreneur to have significant control over satellite communication, data and related infrastructure.
“He’s a private entrepreneur. He doesn’t care about nation; he cares about profits," Narasimhan said.
He also argued that India should give greater importance to domestic companies and service providers, pointing to Airtel and Reliance Jio’s work in the satellite communications sector. He raised concerns about data remaining under Indian control and the possibility of a private foreign company influencing access to communications.
Narasimhan said Musk’s comments could have lasting consequences for his relationship with India.
“Tomorrow, whoever is in power, if they lay out the red carpet for Mr. Musk, they will be lagged because of the attitude that he has shown, for the electoral mandate."
He added, “He has insulted the electoral mandate of Bharat. He has insulted Bharatiya people by the remarks that he has made by exercising his free speech right. But his free speech stops where it starts to disrespect the nation and its mandate and its borders."
Why Starlink’s Role In Wars Has Raised Questions
Shawan Sen, Executive Editor at CNN-News18, speaking during the discussion, pointed to Starlink’s role in Ukraine to explain why control over satellite communication can become strategically important during conflicts.
“It’s almost like a private company serving customers and providing them the timeline. It would be like, ‘If you want a connection, you’ll get the fastest internet.’ That is what he’s trying to tell you."
Sen said he was in Ukraine in 2022 and had spoken to officials from the country’s Ministry of Defence. He referred to an episode in which Starlink connectivity became a subject of controversy.
He said Musk’s position was that the service had not been switched off, but that an extension had not been provided. According to Sen, the episode showed the importance of understanding who ultimately controls critical satellite infrastructure.
“India has seen this in the past, that we’re very, very serious about it. We’ve seen this, what happened in the Gulf. We were left without the GPS navigation data, and that is exactly what we needed."
Sen said Indian officials had also raised concerns about giving an external power the ability to control such infrastructure.
“Our officials are arguing all this while that you can’t give this power to Washington; you have the power to switch it off. So we want to be extremely, extremely serious about this issue."
He described satellite communications as strategically important, saying:
“It is almost, as I say, there is the new oil in peacetime; it is ammunition during war."
Sen also referred to Operation Sindoor, arguing that the availability and reliability of commercial communication services can become important during military operations.
The discussion comes as Starlink’s proposed India entry continues to raise questions around data localisation, lawful interception, national security, competition and control over critical communications infrastructure.