India Restricts China-Linked Satellites to Strengthen National Security

India Restricts China-Linked Satellites to Strengthen National Security

Why in News?

Recently, India has begun restricting satellites with Chinese links used by domestic broadcasters and teleport operators, aiming to strengthen national security and reduce foreign dependence.

What is the New Restriction Policy?

• According to the new policy issued by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) and Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) all licensed television broadcasters and teleport operators in India must stop using satellite capacity from certain foreign‐linked satellites, especially those with Chinese ownership like Apstar, AsiaSat, after the defined deadline.
• IN-SPACe has withdrawn authorisation for the AsiaSat‑5 and AsiaSat‑7 satellites beyond 31 March 2026. As a result, broadcasters must complete migration well before that date to ensure uninterrupted service.
• The new rules require that any non-Indian satellite operator providing capacity in India must obtain fresh authorisation via IN-SPACe and applications must be submitted through an Indian entity.
• For existing arrangements, from 1 October 2025, only satellites explicitly approved by IN-SPACe will be permitted to provide capacity in India.
• Broadcasters using the affected satellites must initiate migration to satellites approved by IN-SPACe, such as domestic or trusted foreign platforms. Major broadcasters like Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited and JioStar TV have already begun the shift.

Reasons for Taking Such Steps

• Concern over China-Linked Satellite: The Indian government has grown increasingly worried about the use of satellite capacity by operators with links to foreign adversarial powers. Reports from 2025 indicate that the regulator IN-SPACe has rejected authorisation for several satellites such as AS-6, AS-8 and AS-9 linked to a Chinese-based company to avoid reliance on infrastructure that might be subject to influence or covert access.

• Geopolitical Shifts: As the global space environment becomes more contested, India views satellite communications and networks as integral to national security. The 2025 “Global Counterspace Capabilities Report” highlights that China is advancing proximity and jamming operations in orbit—raising alarms about vulnerabilities for other states. Against this backdrop, India’s decision to restrict satellites reflects that space systems are now entwined with military and strategic dimensions.

• Protecting Critical Communication: Broadcasters and teleport operators in India depend on satellite capacity for uplink, downlink and distribution of content nationwide. The government identified that when such capacity is sourced via satellites under foreign influence, the chain becomes exposed to possible interference, data interception or denial. 

• Encouraging Domestic Capacity: By limiting use of foreign-linked satellites, India aims to stimulate growth in indigenous satellite manufacturing, launch services and capacity provisioning. The government believes that reducing reliance on external infrastructure creates room for domestic players and builds trusted partnerships. 

Other Foreign Satellites Operating in India

• Intelsat: Intelsat received a key regulatory approval in India in May 2025 from IN-SPACe to provide direct broadcast services via four geostationary satellites — IS-17, IS-20, IS-36 and IS-39. The approval covers C-band capacity over India and is aimed at supporting the Indian broadcast media industry.

• Starlink: Starlink obtained an authorisation from IN-SPACe in July 2025 (via license from the Department of Telecommunications) to operate its Gen1 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation in India. The licence conditions include strict data localisation and traffic routing rules: no Indian user traffic may be routed outside Indian gateways.

• OneWeb: OneWeb India, a subsidiary backed by Bharti Enterprises, received authorization from IN-SPACe in November 2023 to launch commercial satellite broadband services in India via its LEO constellation. The approval is valid for five years and is contingent upon spectrum allocation by the Department of Telecommunications. 

• Inmarsat: Inmarsat, the British satellite communications provider, is officially authorised in India for specific satellite-communications services. In October 2021 its partner Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) received an “IFMC” (Inflight & Maritime Connectivity) license from the DoT to offer Inmarsat’s Global Xpress services for aviation and maritime customers in India. In May 2022 Inmarsat offered Internet of Things (IoT) satellite-based services in India via an amendment to BSNL’s licence.

Regulatory Framework Governing Satellite Operators in India

• Regulatory Authorities: The primary body responsible for satellite activity regulation in India is the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), which functions under the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Space (DoS).

• IN-SPACe issues authorisations for satellites, especially non-Indian (foreign) satellites and constellations, in accordance with the policy framework.

• The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) also issues advisories to broadcasters and teleport operators about the use of satellite capacity in India. 

• The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) plays a regulatory role for satellite communication services (satcom), including licensing, spectrum assignment and security norms.

• Policy Framework: Indian satellite operational regulation is based on a combination of policies and laws. The Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 was replaced by the Telecommunications Act, 2023, provides authority over telegraphy and communications including satellite phones and other fixed satellite services. 

• The Indian Space Policy, 2023 defines the roles of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the commercial arm NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), and the regulatory body IN-SPACe. It encourages private sector participation but is a policy, not a legally binding statute. 

• • IN-SPACe Norms, Guidelines and Procedures (NGP) provides the detailed processes for authorizing private sector space activities, such as satellite operations and launches.
  • International Treaties such as the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 and the Liability Convention of 1972 establish principles like state responsibility for national space activities.

Conclusion 

These restrictions are not merely punitive actions against specific operators but form part of a broader strategic shift. India is securing its communication networks, encouraging domestic innovation, and aligning with international security standards. Though operational challenges will arise during the transition, the long-term outcome is expected to make India’s satellite communication ecosystem more self-reliant, secure, and globally competitive.