India Mandates Transition from China-Linked Satellites for Broadcasters Over National Security Concerns
India is requiring broadcasters and teleport operators to stop using satellites with significant Chinese ownership—specifically AsiaSat’s AS-5 and AS-7 satellites—by March 31, 2026, as part of broader national security measures. Major broadcasters like JioStar and Zee Entertainment are transitioning to government-approved satellites like GSAT and Intelsat. The withdrawal of authorisation by IN-SPACe, India’s space regulator, reflects heightened scrutiny of foreign satellite operators amid geopolitical tensions, especially those with links to China[1][2].
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has withdrawn authorisation for the use of satellite capacity from Asia Satellite Telecommunications Company’s (AsiaSat) AS-5 and AS-7 satellites in India beyond March 31, 2026, as confirmed by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB)[1][2]. This decision, which directly affects major Indian broadcasters such as JioStar and Zee Entertainment, stems from national security concerns, primarily due to AsiaSat’s significant ownership by Chinese state-linked entities, including CITIC Group Corporation[1]. Broadcasters have now been directed to migrate their services to Indian-made (e.g., GSAT) or other government-approved satellites. The move is seen as part of India’s broader strategy to tighten control over critical communications infrastructure, especially as geopolitical tensions with China remain high. New regulations now require explicit government approval for the use of any non-Indian satellite, with applications processed centrally via the IN-SPACe digital platform. This marks the end of decades of reliance on AsiaSat by Indian networks and underlines a clear shift toward greater regulatory oversight and domestic preference in satellite communications[1][2]. The policy change is also intended to bolster India’s sovereignty over its digital and broadcast space, reducing dependence on foreign, especially Chinese, technology amid a global reassessment of technological and infrastructure security risks.
