Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia stated that the Ministry of Home Affairs is responsible for deciding whether satellite internet companies have met security compliance requirements. This clarification came during the India Mobile Congress in New Delhi, following Starlink's announcement that it has tailored its operations specifically for India, including keeping Indian user data within the country, according to livemint.com.
Scindia responded to questions about Starlink's security clearance by emphasizing that the government and the Ministry of Home Affairs must confirm successful compliance with security requirements before operators can begin commercial services. He noted that while Starlink has obtained a license, it still needs to complete security assessments and other regulatory milestones as part of the approval process, as reported by livemint.com.
This statement highlights the regulatory framework governing satellite internet services in India, where licensed operators must meet stringent security standards before launching. Starlink's efforts to align with Indian regulations, including data localization, reflect the government's focus on national security in the telecommunications sector. The Ministry of Home Affairs' role in security clearance underscores the importance of safeguarding critical infrastructure, according to livemint.com.
The Ministry of Home Affairs' decision on security compliance will determine when Starlink and other satellite internet providers can commence commercial operations in India, according to livemint.com.