A Strategic Shift for National Security
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), the central regulatory body under the Department of Space, is enforcing this strategic shift.
The agency has denied fresh approvals for several China-linked satellites, including AsiaSat's AS-6, AS-8, and AS-9, and will only permit existing services on satellites like AS-5 and AS-7 until March 2026 .
This policy is rooted in concerns over space and communication infrastructure vulnerabilities. Officials emphasize the move is crucial for national security, aiming to eliminate dependencies that could pose risks of surveillance or data breaches, especially amid ongoing geopolitical tensions with China .
The transition supports India's broader ambition to achieve digital sovereignty and control over its critical broadcasting networks .
The Broadcasters' Migration to Trusted Alternatives
Major Indian broadcasters have already begun migrating their services to trusted satellites, both domestic and foreign.
- Zee Entertainment Enterprises has shifted its broadcast services to India’s GSAT-30 and GSAT-17, as well as US-based Intelsat-20 .
- JioStar Networks is executing a complete migration of its 130 channels to GSAT-17 and Intelsat-20, planning a phased transition with a dual illumination period to prevent service disruptions for viewers .
This exodus from Chinese-linked capacity is expected to increase demand for India's domestic satellite capacity, stimulating growth within the local space industry .
A Broader Policy Framework for Self-Reliance
The mandate for broadcasters is part of a comprehensive regulatory overhaul designed to secure India's space and communications sectors.
- Local Sourcing and Indigenisation: New 2025 satcom guidelines require operators to submit a five-year phased manufacturing plan, with at least 20% of the ground segment indigenously produced by the fifth year .
- Data Localisation and Monitoring: All user data and control systems must be located within India, with mandatory lawful interception capabilities .
- Streamlined Domestic Market: From April 2025, a new policy requires foreign satellite operators to establish local units to offer capacity to Indian companies. This is expected to lower costs for domestic users by enabling long-term contracts in Indian rupees, avoiding foreign exchange fluctuations .
Building a Domestic Space Shield
India's actions extend beyond broadcasting into a concerted effort to bolster its space-based defense capabilities. Spurred by China's rapid militarization of space, India is fast-tracking its Space-Based Surveillance (SBS) Phase-3 program, a ₹26,968-crore initiative to deploy 52 dedicated defense satellites by 2029 .
This "space shield" aims to provide autonomous, real-time military intelligence and shorten the decision-making loop for the armed forces .
This multi-pronged strategy—from securing broadcast signals to deploying AI-enabled surveillance satellites—signals India's firm commitment to achieving self-reliance and safeguarding its national interests in the final frontier.
The transition away from Chinese satellites is more than a regulatory compliance; it is a critical step in India's journey toward becoming a secure, technologically sovereign power.
