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On August 23, 2024, India celebrated its inaugural National Space Day with the theme, "Touching Lives while Touching the Moon: India's Space Saga." This event highlighted a pivotal moment in international space diplomacy, reflecting the growing significance of outer space in global affairs.

Space Economy

●     According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), the global space economy is projected to reach US$ 1.8 trillion by 2035, up from US$ 630 million in 2023. Space technology impacts various aspects of life, including satellite functionality, weather forecasting, disaster preparedness, agriculture, water management, education, telemedicine, and overall sustainability.

●     In addition to fostering technological advancements and development partnerships, space also serves as a strategic tool for nations, potentially leading to militarization, weaponization, and resource exploitation. For developing countries, space diplomacy becomes essential to leverage space technology for development and maintain their presence in the global space arena. India, alongside its South Asian neighbours, uses space diplomacy to enhance regional cooperation and sustainability.

Global Dynamics: North vs. South

●     Influence of the Global North

The international space governance framework is primarily shaped by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Use of Outer Space (COPUOS), which are largely influenced by the Permanent Five (P5) nations. Four of these P5 members belong to the Global North. This dominance raises concerns about a neocolonial approach to space exploration, where benefits are concentrated among economically advanced nations. For instance, NASA's 2023 mission to the asteroid Psyche aims to mine valuable metals, potentially skewing the benefits of space resources.

Similarly, the European Union’s Copernicus programme has implications for security and surveillance, which could extend to military uses during conflicts. China’s advancement in co-orbital Anti-Satellite (ASAT) technologies poses a strategic challenge for countries like India, necessitating investments in space weaponization for self-defense.

●     Disparities in Space Capability

The economic disparity between the Global North and South means that developed countries enjoy early access to space technologies and thus hold a significant advantage. In Wallerstein’s world-systems theory, developed countries are the “core,” while developing nations are considered “peripheries” that must seek opportunities within the space exploration domain. Despite these challenges, several Global South initiatives are making strides in space diplomacy.

Initiatives from the Global South

●     South Asia

India plays a crucial role in advancing space capabilities in South Asia. It provides expertise through the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS) and the UN-affiliated Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific (CSSTEAP). The UNNATI (UNispace Nanosatellite Assembly & Training) program, facilitated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), offers training in nanosatellite assembly. Additionally, India is constructing a space-based remote sensing facility in Vietnam, aimed at enhancing Southeast Asia’s space capabilities.

●     Latin America and the Caribbean

Latin American nations have embarked on collaborative space ventures. Argentina and Brazil are jointly developing the SABIA Mar satellite for ocean monitoring, while the LATCOSMOS-C program, involving Ecuador, Mexico, and Colombia, aims to launch Latin America’s first crewed mission. Cooperation with global players like the US, European Space Agency (ESA), Italy, and China has also been pivotal.

●     Africa

African countries are making significant strides in space exploration. Egypt’s Space Agency has signed numerous agreements with China, the US, Canada, the EU, and Japan, focusing on Earth observation and water management. Nigeria’s satellite initiatives support disaster management and resource tracking, while South Africa is building space partnerships with India, France, and Russia.

●     Southeast Asia

Vietnam is advancing its space capabilities through collaborations with Japan, Israel, and the Netherlands. The ASEAN Sub-Committee on Space Technology and Application (SCOSA) promotes space cooperation among ASEAN countries, focusing on technology applications and capacity building.

India’s Space Diplomacy

●     Building Regional and Global Influence

India’s space diplomacy reflects its broader goals of regional leadership and global influence. With a focus on sustainable development, India aims to enhance its role by leveraging affordable technology and collaborative efforts. For instance, Project NETRA, launched in 2019, is India’s Space Situational Awareness (SSA) system designed to detect space debris and other hazards. This system could be shared with other developing nations to bolster their SSA capabilities.

India’s cost-effective launch services, notably through ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), have attracted international attention. The country’s extensive constellation of remote sensing satellites, including EOS-06 and EOS-07, supports various sectors such as agriculture, water resources, and urban planning. India’s space data can be used to support development goals across the Global South.

●     The South Asia Satellite (GSAT-9)

In 2017, ISRO launched the South Asia Satellite (SAS), also known as GSAT-9. This geostationary communication satellite aims to enhance telecommunication, education, and disaster forecasting in South Asia. It represents India’s commitment to regional unity and cooperation, with PM Modi describing the satellite as a “gift” to the region. This gesture underscores India’s strategic aim to position itself as a leading regional player in space diplomacy.

●     Budget and Investment

India’s investment in space technology is evident from the recent budget allocation of INR 13,042.75 crores for the Department of Space, marking a significant increase from the previous fiscal year. This financial commitment reflects India’s strategic focus on strengthening its space capabilities and supporting international cooperation.

Future Challenges and Opportunities

●     Challenges for Developing Countries

Developing countries face significant challenges in advancing their space programs. These include the high costs of space exploration, conflicting national priorities, and limited technical expertise. Additionally, the overreliance on advanced nations for technology and investment can lead to sovereignty issues and geopolitical maneuvering, such as debt traps.

●     India’s Role in Bridging Gaps

India’s space diplomacy plays a crucial role in bridging the gaps within the Global South. By sharing low-cost developmental solutions and expertise, India supports other developing countries in achieving their space-related objectives. The Voice of the Global South Summit, held as part of India’s G20 Presidency, exemplifies India’s commitment to South-South and North-South cooperation. This initiative aims to share development experiences and foster regional and global collaboration.

Conclusion

India’s space diplomacy is a testament to its strategic vision of fostering regional cooperation and sustainable development. By leveraging its space capabilities and engaging with developing nations, India not only enhances its regional leadership but also contributes to the broader goals of global space diplomacy. Despite the challenges posed by geopolitical rivalries and economic disparities, India’s efforts in space diplomacy offer valuable opportunities for collaboration and advancement in the Global South. As the global space landscape continues to evolve, India’s role in promoting regional and international cooperation will be crucial in shaping the future of space exploration and sustainable development.

Source- ORF