Leveraging Indian Space Capability through Military Diplomacy in South Asia

Abstract

The Indian Space domain capability can be expanded in the South Asian Neighbourhood for offering solutions in the ISR, communication, Meteorology, Navigation, Guest Astronauts for the Human space flight programme and space infrastructure building. India's South Asian communication satellite launched in 2017 was one such initiative leveraging the space capability for diplomatic outreach and developing the new space services market for Indian enterprises. The Indian Military has a strategic and friendly relationship with the neighbouring militaries and now the time has come to upgrade the existing security cooperation through Military Diplomacy and believe in the dictum of India's 'Neighbourhood First Policy'. India's growth is tethered to a secure and well-governed South Asia and the emerging space market is one of the sunshine sectors which like India's outreach to evolve the digital payments ecosystem can also be employed to improve the cooperation in South Asia.