Former Indian Army Chief Ved Malik has issued a strong caution against India's growing dependence on foreign-owned telecommunication systems, specifically mentioning Starlink. Malik's warning, delivered on October 11, 2026, referenced historical challenges, including the US sanctions imposed on India during the 1999 Kargil War, and recent trade restrictions.
Malik, who led the Army during the Kargil conflict (October 1997 to September 2000), highlighted how US sanctions following India's 1998 nuclear tests complicated access to crucial defence supplies. He stated, "With concern for national security, and my experience of defence sanctions imposed by USA during the Kargil war period and tariff and other restrictions imposed by US recently, I would not like to depend on any foreign-owned telecom system in India."
Starlink's Push for Indian Market Entry
The former chief's comments come amidst SpaceX CEO Elon Musk's persistent efforts to secure a license for Starlink, his company's satellite-based internet service, in India. Musk has publicly criticized the Indian government over delays, alleging that powerful business interests are obstructing Starlink's entry – a claim the government has denied.
National Security and Data Control Concerns
Beyond market competition, the debate around Starlink's entry has escalated into significant national security discussions, particularly concerning the control of technology and the vast amounts of data it would carry. Experts are echoing Malik's sentiments, emphasizing potential vulnerabilities.
Sushant Sareen, a Senior Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation, questioned the alignment of Starlink's interests with India's if the company retains full technological control. "Starlink might be a great technology, but the question is who is going to be controlling the technology? Clearly, it's the company. And if the company is controlling the technology, this company is not beholden to India. It does not have Indian interests at heart," Sareen stated during a recent panel discussion.
Sareen also challenged Musk's narrative that Starlink's primary goal in India is to connect rural populations, suggesting the underlying motive is profit. "He wants to come in and make money. I have nothing against people coming in, investing out here, making money, bringing in technology. I'm all for it," Sareen clarified, "But don't give me this bull crap that you're doing it for the welfare of that last person in the remotest of Indian village at $85 a month or whatever obscene prices you are charging. Come on. It's not going to happen."
Vulnerability and Data Localization
Lt Gen (retd) SL Narasimhan, a former member of the National Security Advisory Board, further stressed that reliance on foreign technology creates vulnerabilities. He warned of scenarios where data could be subtly altered without user awareness, leading to severe repercussions. "Dependence is a vulnerability, and that we have been realising over a period of time," Narasimhan remarked.
Narasimhan highlighted data as a critical asset for artificial intelligence companies, noting India's diverse society could offer valuable data. He emphasized the necessity of data interception or localization policies. "Unless there is a data interception or a data localisation that is being talked about, unless that is incorporated into this, then it is going to be a problem for us at a future date," he explained.
He also pointed to India's ongoing efforts to develop its indigenous space initiatives, which aim to provide similar connectivity, thereby strengthening domestic capabilities and reducing reliance on foreign services.