In a major step toward strengthening national security and digital sovereignty, India has blocked China-linked satellitesfrom operating within its broadcast and communication networks. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has rejected proposals from major Chinese satellite operators—ChinaSat, ApStar, and Hong Kong-based AsiaSat—to provide satellite capacity to Indian broadcasters and teleport operators.
AsiaSat, which has served Indian broadcasters for over three decades, has been allowed to operate only two satellites (AS5 and AS7) until March 2026, with approvals for others denied. In response, key broadcasters such as Zee and JioStar have already migrated—or are in the process of migrating—their services to Indian GSAT satellites or approved foreign platforms like Intelsat, ensuring uninterrupted transmission for viewers during the transition.
This move is part of a broader regulatory overhaul mandating all foreign satellite operators to obtain explicit authorization from IN-SPACe before providing services in India. Officials state that this aligns with India’s vision of “digital sovereignty,” minimizing reliance on foreign infrastructure—especially from adversarial nations—amid ongoing geopolitical frictions with China.
Beyond security, the decision also supports India’s rapidly expanding space economy, projected to reach $44 billion by 2033. By March 2026, all Indian broadcasters must completely shift from Chinese-linked satellites, marking a new era of secure, indigenous, and trusted satellite communications driving India’s strategic and technological self-reliance.
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