Elon Musk Confirms Starlink is Disabled in India Following Second Device Seizure

Published at: December 18, 2024 1:11 PM

Updated at: December 18, 2024 4:12 PM

Starlink satellite internet is currently inactive in India, according to Elon Musk, marking his first public comment since authorities recently seized two of the company’s devices. One was found in a conflict zone, while the other was recovered during a drug smuggling operation.

Starlink is seeking approval in India to offer satellite broadband services and is working to address any security concerns. Musk clarified on X late Tuesday that the satellite service had never been operational in India and that the beams had been turned off.

His statement followed a post by the Indian Army about a search operation on December 13 in Manipur, a state in the northeastern part of the country, where communal violence has persisted. The operation included the seizure of weapons and a Starlink dish and receiver.

Two military officers, speaking anonymously, noted that the device was likely used by a militant group, possibly smuggled from Myanmar, where Starlink devices have been used by rebels despite the company not operating there. Earlier, Indian police requested Starlink’s records related to a device found in a smuggling bust, suspecting it was used to help navigate during the operation.