• Source:JND
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In the past 30 days, two international hikers—one from Scotland and another from Canada—were detained at Indian airports for carrying prohibited GPS devices. On Thursday, a Scottish traveller named Heather was stopped at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport when security discovered she was carrying a Garmin inReach GPS device, which is banned in India. She was on her way to Rishikesh when the airport security handed her over to the police.

Heather took to Instagram to warn other travellers about the ban on satellite communication devices in India. In her video, she said, “Do not travel to India with a Garmin inReach or any other satellite communicator. These devices are illegal here.” She also shared her difficult experience, revealing that the police denied her water during her detention.

Heather explained that she contacted her embassy for assistance but was told there was little they could do as she was subject to Indian laws. In a detailed Instagram post, she recounted what happened: “Around 10:30 am, I placed my Garmin inReach in the tray during security screening. Shortly after, I was pulled aside and told to wait. Security later informed me the device was illegal in India and handed me over to the police.”

She described her time at the police station, where she was questioned, asked to sign multiple documents, and eventually released around 9:00 pm. However, she was informed that she would need to appear in court. Heather wrote, “I’m not the only one affected by this law, which is why I felt the need to share my story. I hope this helps others avoid the same situation.”

Heather also referred to a similar incident involving a Canadian woman, Lewis, who faced the same predicament in December. Lewis was detained at Goa’s Dabolim International Airport while trying to fly to Kochi. Security flagged her Garmin GPS device during screening, leading to four hours of questioning and missed flights. Although the fine was just $11, Lewis ended up paying over $2,000 in legal fees and bail.

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Why Are GPS Devices Like Garmin inReach Banned in India?

India bans the use of satellite communication devices like Garmin inReach without prior government approval under the Indian Telegraph Act of 1885 and the Wireless Telegraphy Act of 1933. This regulation aims to prevent security threats and unauthorized surveillance. The ban was strictly enforced after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, where terrorists used satellite devices to coordinate their activities.

The Swiss company utilises satellite communication technology, which is restricted in India and many other countries to mitigate security threats and prevent unauthorised surveillance. Devices such as Garmin inReach can be misused for illegal or harmful purposes, including espionage, smuggling, or circumventing communication restrictions in sensitive regions. Many other countries also restrict the use of such devices for similar reasons.

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International visitors planning to travel to India should be aware of the strict laws regarding satellite communication devices. Carrying prohibited equipment like Garmin inReach GPS devices can lead to detention, fines, and legal complications. Always check local regulations before travelling with such technology to avoid unnecessary trouble.