Finally, India has taken long awaited significant stand. India's space regulator, IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre), formally finalized a significant security directive by cancelling agreements with the Hong Kong-based satellite operator AsiaSat. The move effectively draws a line in the sand regarding Chinese-linked infrastructure in India’s crutial communication networks. Amazon Brand - Myx Women's Pure Cotton Embroidered Short Kurti | Tunic | Short Kurta (Available in Plus Sizes)

India has imposed a ban on the use of AsiaSat’s AS-5 and AS-7 satellites for communication services within the country effective from March 31, 2026. The decision is rooted in national security concerns regarding AsiaSat’s ownership structure. particularly, the CITIC Group (China International Trust and Investment Corporation), a Chinese state-owned enterprise, holds a 50.5% stake in AsiaSat.

The Indian government sees dependence on Chinese-linked satellites as a strategic risk, fearing potential espionage, cyber-attacks, or intentional service disruptions during times of geopolitical tension, which are consistent, with Pakistan being the neighbour.

This forced the large broadcasters like JioStar and Zee to migrate their channel feeds away from AsiaSat to other alternatives. Companies are gradually shifting their operations to US-based Intelsat or India’s indigenous GSAT satellite network (operated by ISRO).

Presently, domestic satellites cover 50-60% of India's broadcasting needs, the new policy is opting to push that figure closer to 100%, fostering self-reliance in the space sector. Statutory Status for Vande Mataram: Ending the Era of Pseudo-Secularism!

AsiaSat has reportedly served notices to the Indian government and its customers, appealing bilateral investment treaties. It contends that their contracts were not specific to India and that they remain contractually bound with broadcasters, despite the regulatory ban on operating within Indian territory.

Despite, AsiaSat attempting to address security concerns by offering to route all data through a dedicated Indian gateway and increasing local FDI, but IN-SPACe rejected the offer to ensure a clean domestic communication ecosystem. Bourbon, Badges, and Business: The Kash Patel Controversy

By and large, not just India, no one trusts China, especially with crucial communication systems.