Elon Musk Confirms Starlink Deactivated in India Amid Security Concerns
Elon Musk has confirmed that Starlink satellite internet services are inactive in India, marking his first public statement on the matter after authorities seized two Starlink devices in recent weeks. According to Reuters, one device was confiscated in a conflict-ridden area, while the other was recovered during a drug smuggling operation.
Starlink is currently working to obtain regulatory approval for providing satellite broadband services in India and is addressing potential security concerns as part of the process.
On Tuesday night, Musk wrote on X, “Starlink satellite beams are inactive in India and, in fact, they were never activated.”
His statement followed a December 13 operation in Manipur by the Indian Army. Images accompanying the post showed seized weapons and a satellite dish and receiver with the Starlink logo.
Military officials involved in the operation stated that the device was being used by a rebel group and was likely smuggled across the porous border from conflict-torn Myanmar. Reports have indicated that rebel groups in Myanmar are using Starlink devices, even though the service is not officially operational there.
Earlier this month, Indian police seized $4.2 billion worth of methamphetamine during a drug trafficking operation at sea and sent a legal notice requesting purchase details of a Starlink device found at the site. Authorities suspect the smugglers were using the device for navigation.
