The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) has denied applications from Chinasat and Hong Kong-based operators ApStar and AsiaSat. (AI image)

India has started the process of restricting satellite usage linked to Chinese entities for domestic broadcasters and teleporters, as part of its strategy to strengthen security measures against its northern neighbour during times of geopolitical instability.India previously experienced limitations in capacity, compelling the authorities to permit all international satellites, including those with Chinese connections, to maintain service continuity. Officials indicated that as space becomes vital for national defence, the administration is advocating the development of domestic capabilities, encompassing satellites and supporting infrastructure.The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) has denied applications from Chinasat and Hong Kong-based operators ApStar and AsiaSat seeking to provide satellite services to Indian firms. Despite AsiaSat’s 33-year presence in India, it currently maintains authorisation for only AS5 and AS7 satellites until March, while permissions for AS6, AS8, and AS9 satellites have been rejected.A source told ET, “Broadcasters including JioStar, Zee, etc, as well as teleport operators have to move from AsiaSat 5 and 7 satellites to other satellites like local GSAT and Intelsat by March next year.” Another source indicated that companies have initiated the transition to prevent operational disruptions.Several international satellite operators including Intelsat, Starlink, OneWeb, IPStar, OrbitConnect and Inmarsat have received authorisation to provide communication and broadcasting services in India. Officials indicated that GSAT is developing adequate satellite capacity in India, ensuring organisations will not encounter previous challenges.A Zee spokesperson confirmed to the financial daily their transition to GSAT-30, GSAT-17, and Intelsat-20 satellites. “This move happened by mid-September 2025. As of now, we do not have any services on AsiaSat-7,” the spokesperson said. AsiaSat is currently negotiating with the space regulator to maintain its services in India.“Inorbit Space has applied for the extension of AsiaSat 5 and AsiaSat 7 C band with IN-SPACe. Inorbit Space and AsiaSat top management has had several rounds of meetings with IN-SPACe chairman and programme management office in the last few months,” said Rajdeepsinh Gohil, managing director of Inorbit Space. As AsiaSat’s authorised representative in India, Inorbit Space noted that whilst IN-SPACe acknowledges AsiaSat’s 33-year contribution to India, they have not provided any explanation for withholding long-term authorisation.“There is no history of AsiaSat non-compliance in India. All prior uplinks on AsiaSat satellites are approved by MIB, DoT, DoS and MHA,” he said. Following recent changes in space sector regulations, all international satellites must now obtain IN-SPACe authorisation to operate in India.The country presently maintains a robust space economy, projected to reach $44 billion by 2033, increasing its worldwide market share from 2% to 8%, according to IN-SPACe. Communications, alongside broadcasting, is anticipated to be a significant contributor to the continuous expansion of the space industry. Satellite communication companies, including Elon Musk’s Starlink, Eutelsat OneWeb, Amazon Kuiper, and the Jio-SES partnership, await final governmental approval to commence broadband operations in India.