Security forces have seized two Starlink devices in recent weeks during raids in the eastern district of Imphal in the volatile state of Manipur, sparking speculation that India is using satellite Internet. The SpaceX founder has clarified the rumors, saying that Starlink
Starlink is seeking approval from the Indian government to offer satellite broadband services, and the Musk-owned company is grappling with potential safety concerns.
Musk said in an X post late on Tuesday that “the Starlink satellite beam over India was switched off” and “never turned on at all.” His comments came in response to a post by the Indian military about a search operation in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur, which has been plagued by ethnic conflict since last year. The Indian army post included photos of captured weapons, as well as satellite dishes and receivers bearing the Starlink logo.
Two military officers, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that devices bearing the Starlink logo were being used by a militant group.
They speculate the device may have been smuggled across the loose border with Myanmar, which is embroiled in a civil war. Media reports have previously documented the use of Starlink equipment by rebels in Myanmar, but the company also does not operate in the country.
Earlier this month, the Indian police issued a legal request to Starlink to provide details on the purchase of a device found in a major maritime smuggling operation. In the operation, the smugglers were carrying $4.2 billion worth of methamphetamine, and it is suspected that the device was used for navigation.
Ethnic violence between the Meitai and Kukizo ethnic groups in Manipur has killed more than 250 people and displaced thousands since May last year.