The initiative of Alan Musk’s Space X to bring Indian -origin space scientist Sunita Williams to safe earth after nine months has been appreciated worldwide. In addition, Musk’s second company, Starlink, which provides state -of -the -art services in the field of satellite technology has also made an important partnership. Under this partnership, Indian companies, such as Airtel and Reliance Jio, are associated with Starlinks for their internet services. However, many serious security questions are being raised in India regarding this deal, including not only personal security, but also national security issues.
Earlier, mobile companies require fiber optic cables and towers for the internet services that reach our homes, due to which there is a lack of connectivity in hilly areas, dense forests and remote villages. At the same time, the technique of Starlinks offers a solution to this problem, as it transmits the Internet signal directly through satellites, without placing towers or cables on the ground. In this context, Starlink’s arrival in India can be considered a revolutionary step, especially when many areas in India’s geographical location are surrounded by mountains, deserts and forests. But some security concerns have also come up with this, which cannot be ignored.
Threat to India’s security?
With this partnership, the question arises as to whether it could threaten India’s security, especially about the protection of defense establishments, military bases and sensitive data.
Data security and espionage threat
Starlink is a satellite-based internet service, in which data is sent directly through satellites and obtained. In such a situation, if the correct security measures are not taken, foreign companies can control sensitive data, which can cause the risk of leaking the defense information.
India has become a victim of cyber attacks and data leak cases before. If Starlink server and data centers are located outside India, information related to the deployment of Indian defense plans, military bases and weapons may be at risk of leaking.
Potential security risk
1. Tracking of military bases: Starlink’s low-end orbit (Leo) satellites can transmit real-time data, allowing the Indian Army’s movement, missile launch pads, airbases and naval dockyards to track.
2. Foreign Control of Data Servers: Due to this deal, all data can be under the control of foreign companies, although it is being said that servers will be placed in India, yet the data will eventually remain under the control of foreign companies.
3. Cyber attacks: India have many important defense and nuclear establishments, which can fall victim to foreign cyber attacks. If the system of Starlink is hacked, important defense information can go to the hands of enemy countries.
4. Interception of communication: Secret communication system is used in Indian Army operations. If foreign service such as Starlink is used, messages can be intercept or decrypt.
What steps should India take?
1. Construction of Control Center: The government needs to set up a local control center, so that if any service is to be discontinued, it is controlled in India.
2. Creating rules for satellite calls: Arrangements should be made to send calls made abroad through the Starlink Gateway made in India.
3. Construction of indigenous networks: A special network should be created for all military and government use, which is completely under India’s control.
4. Strengthening cyber security policy: India will have to empower its cyber security policy, so that foreign companies cannot access sensitive information related to defense.
5. Development of indigenous satellite networks: India should develop indigenous satellite internet network in collaboration with ISRO and DRDO, so that foreign companies are not used in the defense sector.
6. Strengthen digital infrastructure: It is necessary to adopt proper safety measures, keeping in mind the risks related to national security while dealing with foreign companies.
7. Promoting indigenous techniques: India should promote indigenous techniques and strengthen cyber security measures, so that no foreign company can dent our defense system.
