Satellite phones are illegal contraband in India

Did you know that India's telecom law makes it illegal to travel with a
satellite phone?

A woman, age 51, had been traveling alone across India, camping and
hiking, and of course posting to social media. She detained at the
international airport in Goa state for carrying a Garmin inReach Mini in
her carry-on luggage which allows one to communicate via text message.
It's a satellite uplink but literally it's not a satphone. This doesn't
prevent police from confiscating it.

A local connection got her a lawyer which kept her from being held in
jail. She spent days in court and her passport was held for six days.
She paid thousands in fines and attorney's fees. Her passport was held
for six days.

This law trips up lots of travellers, including some with actual
satphones and not just devices that aren't telephones that uplink.

Why is India fucking over travelers and citizens with this law? No
explanation was offered.

https://explorersweb.com/trail-runner-tina-lewis-arrested-in-india-for-traveling-with-an-inreach-device/