India Blocks China-Linked Satellites to Bolster Security
India is taking decisive steps to bolster its national security by restricting the use of satellites with Chinese connections for its broadcasters and teleport operators. This move comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions and a growing recognition of the strategic importance of securing critical communication infrastructure. The regulatory overhaul mandates that broadcasters and teleport operators transition to Indian or other approved satellites by March of next year.
The decision to block China-linked satellites is rooted in concerns over national security. Specifically, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has withdrawn authorization for AsiaSat's AS-5 and AS-7 satellites beyond March 31, 2026. This action is driven by apprehensions regarding AsiaSat's significant Chinese government ownership through CITIC Group Corporation. This decision reflects India's strategic realignment of its satellite communication policies with national security and self-reliance objectives.
This regulatory shift will impact broadcasters like JioStar and Zee Entertainment, which currently rely on these satellites for channel transmission. These companies are now in the process of migrating their services to satellites authorized by the Indian government, including GSAT and Intelsat. India currently operates a fleet of 19 communication satellites across various bands, with 12 managed by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of the Department of Space.
In addition to restricting foreign satellites, India is also actively developing capabilities to protect its own space assets. This includes a plan to develop so-called "bodyguard satellites" to identify and counter threats to orbiting spacecraft. This initiative was spurred by a near miss in mid-2024, when a satellite from a neighboring country came within 1 kilometer of an ISRO satellite performing strategic tasks. While no collision occurred, the incident highlighted the vulnerability of Indian satellites and the need for protective measures.
These "bodyguard satellites" are envisioned as dedicated spacecraft equipped with sensors, propulsion systems, and potentially countermeasures to monitor, maneuver, and protect high-value Indian spacecraft. They would provide early threat detection and warning systems, utilizing AI-driven threat detection and automated response systems. This project aligns with India's broader effort to integrate space situational awareness (SSA) with active defensive measures.
Furthermore, the Indian government has approved a ₹27,000-crore program to launch approximately 52 new surveillance satellites. These satellites will enhance border security, track adversarial military movements, and contribute to intelligence gathering. Together with the "bodyguard satellites," they will form a layered structure of surveillance and protection for India's space assets.
These measures also address digital risks, such as radio signal jamming, spoofing, and cyberattacks targeting ground systems. India's CERT-In has issued guidelines for satellite operators to enhance security, including strong encryption, network segmentation, and regular patching to protect satellite systems from cyberattacks.
India's proactive approach to satellite security reflects a growing recognition of the importance of space-based assets for communication, navigation, security, and climate monitoring. By restricting access to potentially vulnerable foreign satellites and investing in protective measures for its own fleet, India aims to safeguard its strategic interests and ensure the security of its space infrastructure.
