The CPI(M) or Communist Party of India (Marxist) Polit Bureau in Kerala strongly opposed the reported partnerships between Indian telecom companies Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel with Elon Musk's Starlink to offer high-speed satellite internet services in India. In a post on X, the CPI(M) emphasised that spectrum is a limited national resource. It cited the Supreme Court's ruling in the 2G case, which stated that it "can be allocated to private players only through open, transparent auction."

“Any private deal for allocating spectrum would be a violation of the law of the land. Airtel and Starlink coming together to form a cartel to dominate satellite spectrum use will be at the cost of millions of telecom subscribers in India,” stated CPI(M).

Apart from legal issues, the party highlighted potential national security threats. “Satellite spectrum should be allocated exclusively for strategic uses, such as defence and ISRO operations”, it conveyed. It cautioned that private satellites occupying key orbital slots could facilitate mapping India's natural resources and the collection of sensitive commercial data, such as weather patterns and crop conditions, posing security risks. The CPI(M) stressed that Indian agencies like ISRO can handle these tasks independently.

“It is now known that the US threats to stop Starlink services to the Ukraine military forced Zelensky to concede US demands on handing over its natural resources and negotiating with Russia under US aegis,” according to the party.

The CPI(M) warned that allowing a US company to control strategic satellite spectrum and orbital slots could create a space monopoly, posing risks to India’s national sovereignty and security. As part of the deal, Jio and Airtel will distribute Starlink’s equipment through their retail networks, with Jio managing customer service, installation, and activation. The partnership aims to extend high-speed internet access to businesses, schools, healthcare centres, and remote areas. Jio has also paired with SpaceX to deliver Starlink services through its retail outlets and online platforms once regulatory approvals are obtained. Meanwhile, Airtel has stated that it will explore collaboration with SpaceX, potentially selling Starlink hardware in its stores and providing its services to businesses.

“Is PM Modi secretly practising his *bend-and-snap* routine for Elon Musk and the US establishment? Is this the ultimate "Make in India" moment, or just "Sell to America" in disguise?” Tamil Nadu’s Congress Committee posted on X.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh also criticised Prime Minister Modi, alleging that the move was designed to gain Trump's favour through Starlink’s owner, Elon Musk. 

"Who will have the power to switch connectivity on or off when national security demands it? Will it be Starlink or its Indian partners? Will other satellite-based connectivity providers also be permitted, and on what basis?” penned Ramesh.