Engaging in a groundbreaking symposium, India’s focus on strengthening its space capabilities has been brought into spotlights recently. The collaborative event between the Indian Space Association (ISpA) and the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) featured the Indian DefSpace Symposium – exploring ways to develop India’s space capabilities and drawing critical attention around the world. This initiative was part of Mission Def-Space, an ambitious plan launched by the Prime Minister to foster innovative solutions in the space sector through domestic industries and start-ups.
The Demand for Warfare Innovation
With the changing nature of warfare, this transformation is being accelerated by the enhanced utilization of space to improve combat capabilities across land, sea, and cyber environments. The symposium highlighted the need for developing dual-use platforms equipped with state-of-the-art technology, boosting offensive and defensive capabilities in space. Also emphasized was the aspect of exploring miniaturization of satellites and reusable launch platforms to reduce costs and overcome challenges.
DRDO’s Emphasis on Space Situational Awareness
DRDO stressed the need to improve space situational awareness, safeguard space assets through counter-space capabilities, and build resilience and redundancy in space-based infrastructure. They also explored opportunities to expand the Navic constellation, provide flexible space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), and ensure secure satellite-assisted communications.
India’s Position on Space Militarisation
Historically, India has maintained a peaceful approach toward space security, opposing the weaponization and militarization of space. However, in recent years, India’s strategy towards outer space has shifted to a more security-driven approach, although it still focuses on peaceful uses of outer space. This shift was due to the potential threats to its space assets, resulting from inaction on the evolving developments in outer space.
Recent Developments in India’s Space Strategy
In 2019, India carried out its first-ever simulated space warfare exercise (IndSpaceX) in response to potential Chinese threats and also successfully tested an anti-satellite weapon (Mission Shakti). Furthermore, the establishment of the Defence Space Agency (DSA) and the Defence Space Research Agency (DSRA) has intensified India’s military involvement in space. Lastly, the launch of IN-SPACe in 2020, an independent nodal agency under the Department of Space, was designed to encourage private participation in the space domain.
The Ambitious Mission Def-Space
Mission Def-Space is a significant effort to create innovative solutions for the Indian airforce, Navy, and Army by utilizing the resources and capabilities of Indian industries and start-ups. The initiative has brought forth 75 challenges that seek innovative solutions based on defence requirements in the space sector. Companies and innovators are invited to contribute to these solutions, aiming to enhance both offensive and defensive capabilities. The ultimate goal is to build a range of military applications for space warfare and enable the private sector to address future requirements of the armed forces. This development not only benefits the Indian military but also extends help to friendly foreign nations.
Preparation for UPSC Civil Services Examination: A Question-Centric Approach
The ‘Indian Ocean Naval Symposium’ (IONS), a voluntary initiative launched to increase maritime cooperation among navies of the littoral States of the Indian Ocean Region, is often a point of interest in civil service exams. It promotes maritime security cooperation and fosters relationships between member nations. The inaugural IONS-2008 was held in New Delhi, India in February 2008, with the Chief of the Naval Staff, Indian Navy as the Chairman for the period 2008-10. Analyzing past questions surrounding this topic can provide an edge to candidates.
Exploring Further: Questions for Mains Exam Preparation
For effective preparation, potential questions like the influence of liberalizing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the defence sector on Indian defence and economy should be addressed. Likewise, examining the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region can be insightful. These references culled from previous years’ examinations can serve as a helpful guide for aspirants.