New Delhi: Bharti Airtel Founder and Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal has called for India to retain sovereign control over the satellite communication networks operating within its territory, warning that foreign-controlled infrastructure could create national security vulnerabilities during conflicts and emergencies. In an interview with PTI in New Delhi on November 13, marking 50 years of Bharti Enterprises, Mittal stressed that the ability to suspend or restrict satellite connectivity must not rest entirely outside India's jurisdiction.
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Mittal highlighted the importance of controlling the satellite communication network's 'kill switch' — the technical capability to disable, restrict or throttle connectivity for individual terminals, geographical regions or entire networks. He argued that India must retain the ability to secure critical communications independently, rather than depending on decisions taken by foreign operators or governments. He also called for domestic gateways, security monitoring and routing of Indian user traffic through infrastructure located within the country.
Pointing to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Mittal highlighted how satellite broadband has become an important component of modern battlefield communications. Ukraine's concerns over restrictions to Starlink connectivity have demonstrated the strategic risks of depending on privately controlled satellite networks during military operations. He noted that drones, cyber operations and guided weapons are increasingly dependent on space-based communication and data infrastructure.
Mittal also called for multiple satellite communication providers to operate in India, cautioning against dependence on a single company or country. He emphasised the need to secure satellite terminals, ground infrastructure and communication links, particularly those supporting defence establishments, border surveillance, maritime security and emergency response operations.
The remarks came as India prepares to introduce commercial satellite broadband services. Jio Satellite Communications, Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb and Starlink have received satellite communication licences, but commercial operations remain subject to security and technical compliance and spectrum-related requirements. OneWeb, according to Mittal, has already demonstrated connectivity in India and is awaiting final government approval.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), in its November 2026 recommendations on satellite communication networks, has also proposed that operators maintain network operations and control systems within India and route domestic user traffic through Indian satellite gateways. These measures reflected the growing importance of sovereign oversight as satellite connectivity becomes increasingly relevant to India's digital infrastructure and national security. Mittal added that satellite broadband would complement existing fibre and mobile networks, particularly in remote border regions, mountainous terrain and offshore locations where conventional connectivity remains limited.
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