"Beams Turned Off Over India": Musk Denies Starlink Use By Insurgents

SpaceX chief Elon Musk has denied claims that insurgent groups used Starlink in India, saying the satellite internet service’s beams are switched off over the country.

“Starlink beams are turned off over India, so the claim that they were used by anyone for any reason is absolutely false,” Musk wrote on X.

He was responding to a post by the account DogeDesigner, which challenged claims that Indian security forces had recovered Starlink terminals from insurgent groups near the Myanmar border in Manipur.

The exchange centres on two distinct issues: the alleged recovery of terminals and whether the devices could connect to Starlink’s network in India. Musk’s statement addressed connectivity.

INDIA LAUNCH PUSH

The denial comes as Starlink seeks to begin commercial services in India. Musk had earlier accused unnamed “oligarchs” of blocking its entry to protect their businesses.

“Unfortunately, we (Starlink) are being blocked by certain oligarchs in order to maintain their monopolistic chokehold on the Indian people,” he wrote in a separate response to DogeDesigner. He did not identify whom he was referring to.

That exchange followed a post arguing that Starlink could help close India’s connectivity gaps, particularly in remote villages, mountains and islands where extending fibre or mobile networks is difficult.

The account also called for the completion of remaining clearances and spectrum allocation. It cited potential uses including online education, telemedicine and backup communications when disasters disrupt ground networks.

COMPANY SAYS INFRASTRUCTURE IS READY

Speaking at India Mobile Congress on October 7, SpaceX vice president of Starlink business operations Lauren Dreyer said the company had built 20 gateway sites in India, comprising hundreds of antennas.

“We’ve built our Starlink operations specifically for India in recognition of Indian security requirements and other regulations, establishing controls at every layer for India, and keeping Indian user data within India,” she said.

Dreyer said the company had spent five years working with Indian regulators, industry stakeholders and telecom operators to adapt its operations to local requirements.

The infrastructure and operations were ready to serve the country, she said, pointing to Starlink’s potential to connect remote classrooms, support healthcare consultations and restore communications after disasters.

“With Starlink, people can get connected within minutes, not years,” she said.

In June, Dreyer had denied reports that India had frozen Starlink’s approval process over geopolitical and security concerns, saying discussions with the government on a commercial launch remained active.

With inputs from ANI