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Hindu Nationalist Group Schedules Delhi March Against Elon Musk’s Starlink
By Drooid · · How we work
Planned Protest Targets Elon Musk’s Starlink
On October 23, 2026, the Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM)—an organization linked to India’s Hindu nationalist Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)—will begin a march at 11 a.m. (0530 GMT) in the Chanakyapuri area of New Delhi. The demonstration calls for the Indian government to block the commercial launch of SpaceX founder Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite broadband service, arguing that the network could hinder internet shutdowns and lawful interception during security emergencies.
Regulatory Delays and Market Allegations
Musk has publicly criticized what he describes as “regulatory delays” affecting Starlink’s entry into the Indian market. In a tweet, he labeled Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani, head of Reliance Industries, as the “real boss of India” and accused him of “monopolistic exploitation” that keeps Starlink out of the market. Reliance Industries has rejected these allegations, stating that it is “unfortunate” Musk chose to accuse Indian businesses and the government rather than respond to national-security information requests.
National-Security Rationale Cited by SJM
The SJM’s statement cites Starlink’s use in Ukraine as a case study, noting that a Wall Street Journal report indicated Musk ordered a slowdown of a military-grade version of the service that Kyiv relies on. The group argues that such capabilities could complicate India’s ability to enforce internet shutdowns or conduct lawful interception during emergencies, thereby threatening digital sovereignty.
Political Backdrop and Public Sentiment
Musk’s declining popularity in India is reflected in recent Dussehra posters in Lucknow that depicted him and U.S. Senator Ilhan Omar among the “ten faces of Ravana,” a symbolic representation of opponents to Indian interests. The protest underscores broader tensions between foreign technology firms, domestic conglomerates, and nationalist groups over control of India’s digital infrastructure.