Ukraine War Militarizes Starlink: Commercial Satellites Now War Targets, India Must Adapt

• SpaceX's Starlink became Ukraine's communication lifeline during the 2022 invasion, enabling military coordination and resilience against Russian attacks on terrestrial networks.
• The conflict transformed commercial satellites into active military enablers and legitimate targets, blurring lines between civilian and military space assets.
• Existing international space treaties, like the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, are inadequate for dual-use commercial satellites and private companies' roles in conflict, creating a policy vacuum.
• Major powers like the US, Russia, and China are rethinking space strategies, investing in counter-space capabilities, and viewing commercial constellations as critical wartime assets.
• India's growing reliance on commercial space assets faces vulnerability in conflict; New Delhi needs to rethink policy, regulation, and safeguards for private providers amidst security challenges.

Why It Matters: Ukraine War militarized commercial space, forcing India to urgently adapt its space policy for national security.