Starlink satellite internet devices were found in the hands of militants in the conflict-ridden region of Manipur. This discovery has raised serious questions about the internet service’s presence in India and its possible misuse. Could Starlink be operating illegally in the country? And what is Elon Musk’s role in all this?
On December 16, the Indian Army’s Spear Corps shared a photo on social media showing a Starlink kit among weapons, bombs, and ammunition seized during a raid in Manipur. The devices were reportedly found with members of the People’s Liberation Army of Manipur, a separatist group based in Myanmar that’s fighting for an independent state.
The situation is complex. Officially, Starlink is not available in India, and its satellite beams are supposed to be turned off in the region, according to Elon Musk. Yet, this isn’t the first time that Starlink has caused trouble in India. Earlier this month, police in Andaman and Nicobar found another Starlink device on a boat carrying illegal methamphetamine from Myanmar. They even asked Starlink for details about who purchased the device and how it was paid for.
Is Starlink Really Banned in India?
Starlink’s official position is clear: its satellite internet is not available in India. In fact, it’s not functional across the entire Indian subcontinent. The nearest places where it works are Malaysia, Indonesia, and Yemen. But that hasn’t stopped the service from making its way into places where it’s not officially allowed.
In Myanmar, for example, Starlink has become widely used, particularly in areas controlled by rebel groups. Despite the fact that Starlink is also banned in Myanmar, thousands of devices are up and running there. Could something similar be happening in India?
How Did Starlink End Up with Militants?
The big question is how exactly these devices made their way to militants in Manipur. Was there a spillover effect from nearby countries where Starlink is operational, like Malaysia or Indonesia? This is what Starlink claims – that their satellite signals accidentally extend beyond their intended areas, creating what’s known as “spillover.”
But experts argue that this explanation doesn’t hold up. Starlink has technology that can easily block signals from reaching unauthorized areas. It’s called “geofencing,” and it’s been used before. For instance, when Ukrainian forces tried to use Starlink in Russia’s Kursk region, their devices stopped working due to this geofencing feature. So, if Starlink has this kind of control over its network, why is it that devices are still showing up in places where they shouldn’t be?
The Global Starlink Problem
Starlink’s problems don’t stop in India. The company has faced similar issues around the world. In Russia, for example, Starlink terminals have been spotted on the frontlines despite the service being officially unavailable in the country. Similarly, in other parts of the world, devices intended for legal users are ending up in the hands of unauthorized groups or individuals.
Security experts suggest that Starlink’s widespread availability on the black market might be a part of the problem. Even though the service isn’t supposed to be available in certain regions, people are still managing to get their hands on the equipment and use it illegally.
What’s Next for Starlink in India?
The seizure of Starlink devices in Manipur raises serious concerns about how the company is controlling its technology. Is Starlink doing enough to prevent its service from falling into the wrong hands? And why are these devices showing up in areas where they shouldn’t be?
Elon Musk has been quick to deny any wrongdoing, stating that Starlink’s satellite beams are turned off in India. But with devices being found in conflict zones and under suspicious circumstances, the company’s role in this controversy is only becoming more complicated.
India Today continues to investigate, as this story is far from over. The mystery of how Starlink’s technology ended up in the hands of militants is just one part of a much bigger picture, and it raises uncomfortable questions for both Starlink and its billionaire owner, Elon Musk.
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