Two US nationals were detained at Srinagar airport on Sunday after security officials found a satellite phone, a prohibited item, in their luggage during a routine check.
The individuals were questioned by airport security and later handed over to police for further investigation.
One of the detained individuals was identified as Jeffrey Scott from Montana. Officials said the satellite phone, manufactured by Garmin, was recovered from his luggage.
The use of satellite phones is prohibited in India without prior government approval. Devices such as Thuraya and Iridium phones fall under strict regulation, and unauthorised possession can lead to detention, arrest and seizure under the Indian Telegraph Act and other security rules.According to official guidelines, travellers must obtain written permission from the Department of Telecommunications before carrying or using satellite communication devices in the country.
India enforces stringent telecom restrictions due to security concerns, and both foreign nationals and Indian citizens have faced action in the past for carrying satellite communicators.
Last May, a US-based ophthalmologist was stopped at Puducherry airport after an Iridium satellite phone was found in her possession. She was prevented from boarding a flight to Hyderabad, and a police investigation was initiated.
Authorities have also reported previous detentions involving foreign nationals, including a Chinese citizen and a British executive, for carrying unauthorised satellite devices at airports and hotels across the country.To curb such violations, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation on January 30, 2025, directed airlines operating flights to India to inform passengers about the ban through in-flight announcements, overseas offices and onboard publications.
Foreign governments have also taken note. Travel advisories issued by the US and the UK warn citizens that carrying satellite phones or similar GPS devices into India could lead to hefty fines to the tune of Rs 2 crore, confiscation of equipment, or arrest.