Pahalgam Attack: Chinese gadgets, new threat as security experts fear use of Huawei-satellite phone

In a chilling revelation, Indian security agencies have detected the suspected use of a Huawei satellite-enabled smartphone near Pahalgam during the recent terror attack that killed 26 people. Surveillance systems reportedly picked up the movement of a Huawei device at the time and location of the attack, raising serious concerns about the evolving tactics of terror operatives in Jammu and Kashmir.

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Huawei, a Chinese tech giant banned from operating in India, manufactures smartphones like the Mate 60 Pro that feature in-built satellite communication. These phones connect directly to China’s Tiantong-1 satellite network, bypassing traditional cellular networks. Unlike bulky satellite phones like Thuraya, Huawei’s satellite-enabled devices appear just like regular smartphones, making visual detection nearly impossible.

The secure and discrete communication these devices offer poses a grave challenge to Indian security agencies. Experts warn that such phones can function during network shutdowns, transmit sensitive operational data, and potentially evade Indian surveillance systems entirely. The danger is amplified by the fact that other Chinese brands like Honor, Xiaomi, OPPO, and Vivo are also entering the satellite communication space.

Forensic teams, aided by international agencies, are now trying to trace the origin, handlers, and possible operational use of the Huawei device detected during the Pahalgam attack. Investigators believe these gadgets could become a key tool for terror outfits seeking to avoid detection while planning and executing attacks.

The growing availability of Chinese satellite-enabled smartphones poses a long-term national security threat. As terrorists evolve technologically, Indian counterterrorism efforts must rapidly adapt to detect and neutralize these invisible networks before they can strike again.

The Pahalgam incident has opened a new front in India's war on terror — one that now stretches beyond guns and grenades into the domain of cutting-edge technology.