US Flags India's Domestic Satellite Preference, Internet Shutdowns as Trade Barriers

• US identifies India's preference for domestic satellites for DTH and localized internet shutdowns as foreign trade barriers.
• The 2026 National Trade Estimate Report by USTR highlights increasing 'politically motivated' content takedown requests for American firms since 2021.
• Localized internet shutdowns disrupt commercial operations, undermining a free internet and impeding digital economy trade.
• India's DTH licensees face procedural delays and must procure satellite capacity through Antrix, ISRO's commercial arm, with surcharges on foreign capacity.
• New DoT security instructions require satcom providers to support real-time interception, block websites, route Indian user traffic within India, and implement geo-fencing.