Indian authorities have reached out to Elon Musk’s Starlink for information after drug smugglers allegedly used its satellite internet device to navigate Indian waters and reach the country’s shores. The police in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands say the smugglers bypassed legal channels by using Starlink’s portable satellite technology, which claims to offer fast internet connectivity “almost anywhere on Earth.”
Starlink, however, does not yet have permission to operate in India or provide coverage in its territorial waters. The satellite internet service has faced regulatory hurdles since it began planning to launch in India in 2021.
The incident came to light last week when the Indian Coast Guard seized a boat near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The vessel, registered in Myanmar, was reportedly carrying a massive shipment of methamphetamine. Authorities say they discovered approximately 6,000 kilograms (13,227 pounds) of the drug, with an estimated value of $4.25 billion (£3.35 billion). This was the largest drug bust by the Coast Guard in recent years.
Six Myanmar nationals were arrested in connection with the drug trafficking operation. Police in the region say the smugglers had been using Starlink’s satellite internet device from the start of their journey. The device, described by Starlink as a compact, portable kit that can easily fit into a backpack, was reportedly being used to create a Wi-Fi hotspot on the boat.
Hargobinder S. Dhaliwal, the police chief of the Andaman Islands, confirmed that the use of the Starlink device raised alarms due to its bypassing of legal communication channels. In a statement, Dhaliwal explained that the smugglers used Starlink to directly operate phones and establish internet access, circumventing standard communication protocols.
Following the discovery, Andaman police have contacted Starlink to request details about the device, including information on its purchaser and the timeline of its usage. Authorities are also investigating the involvement of both local and international syndicates in the smuggling operation.
This incident adds pressure to Starlink’s plans to expand into the Indian market, where it faces stiff competition from domestic companies, including Reliance Jio, led by billionaire Mukesh Ambani. As authorities continue their investigation, the use of satellite technology for illicit purposes is raising concerns about the regulatory challenges posed by global internet services in India.