A Bold Space Policy: The India Perspective

Space policy can be more responsive to India’s unique socio-economic context and better aligned with its long-term national interests.

India’s Unique Demographics and Geopolitical Context

India, with its vast geographical expanse and demographic diversity, presents unique challenges and opportunities for space policy. India's states are comparable in size and population to many European countries, making a one-size-fits-all approach less effective. Space policy must account for regional needs while aligning with national objectives.

Tailored Regional Strategies
Develop state-level space initiatives to address specific regional challenges like disaster management in coastal states or agricultural monitoring in agrarian regions.
Localized Innovation Hubs
Establish innovation centers in various states to foster local talent and region-specific space applications.
Public Awareness and Engagement
Conduct educational programs in multiple languages to ensure widespread understanding and support for space initiatives.

Balancing Technological Advancements with National Priorities

India’s space policy should balance ambitious technological goals with the pressing developmental needs of its population. Space applications must remain not only focused on societal benefits(in line with Sarabhai’s original vision), but also for self-defence.

Climate Change Mitigation
Prioritize Earth observation programs for monitoring climate patterns, agricultural productivity and disaster preparedness.
Affordable and Accessible Space Technology
Develop cost-effective satellite-based solutions for rural connectivity, healthcare and education.
Space for National Development
Ensure that advancements in space technologies contribute directly to national development goals, including the improvement of living standards in under-served regions.

Governance and Decentralization in Space Administration

The centralization of space-related governance can slow down innovation and responsiveness. A more decentralized approach could accelerate growth while maintaining national oversight.

State-Level Space Coordination Units
Allow states to establish space innovation councils to propose and execute projects of regional significance.
Public-Private-State Partnerships
Foster collaborations between ISRO, private space enterprises and state governments to leverage resources and expertise.
Revisiting Space Governance Laws
Evaluate existing laws to identify provisions that hinder efficient collaboration and propose amendments for more agile decision-making.

Adapting to India’s Evolving Global Role

India’s international engagements must reflect its growing influence in global space affairs while considering its non-aligned stance and developmental priorities.

Leading South-South Cooperation
Position India as a leader in space technology sharing with developing nations, especially in Asia and Africa.
Ethical Space Practices
Promote responsible and transparent space activities on the international stage, distinguishing India’s democratic approach from more authoritarian models.
Strategic Diplomacy in Space Alliances
Balance participation in global initiatives like the Artemis Accords with the preservation of strategic autonomy.

Reforming Education and Research Ecosystems

A forward-looking space policy must align with contemporary educational and research priorities while overcoming bureaucratic constraints.

Modernizing Space Education
Integrate modern space-related curricula into higher education institutions across states.
Autonomy for Research Institutions
Advocate for reduced bureaucratic intervention in research funding and administration to promote innovation.
Industry-Academia Synergy
Create flexible frameworks that allow greater collaboration between academic institutions, startups and established aerospace companies.

Lessons from China’s Space Advancements: Learning Without Imitating

China's rapid ascent as a major space power provides valuable insights for India’s space policy. While the two nations differ significantly in governance, ethos and long-term goals, India can draw strategic lessons from China’s space journey to accelerate its own development.

Long-Term Vision with Unwavering Commitment

China’s space program has thrived on its long-term, state-backed vision, consistently pursued across decades. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) embedded space development into national strategic goals early on, ensuring sustained funding and political support.

India’s Takeaway
India must similarly maintain a long-term vision, independent of short-term political cycles. Policies like the Indian Space Policy 2023 should be complemented with a 30-year roadmap that includes deep-space exploration, lunar habitats and planetary defense. These policies should be constantly updated according the global scenarios and indigenous requirements. The implementation of the policies also need to be accelerated.

Heavy Investment in Indigenous Capabilities

China made a deliberate push toward self-reliance in critical space technologies. From developing the Long March rocket family to mastering satellite navigation through BeiDou, China minimized external dependencies.

India’s Takeaway
While India has made notable strides in indigenous launch systems (e.g., PSLV, GSLV, SSLV, LVM3), it must now focus on advanced propulsion technologies like nuclear, thermal propulsion and reusable rockets. Incentivizing domestic component manufacturing and reducing reliance on imports is crucial.

State-Orchestrated Public-Private Synergy

Unlike the purely competitive private space ecosystem in the West, China employs a state-guided model where private companies align with national objectives. The Chinese government provides financial incentives, technology transfers and strategic guidance to private space startups.

India’s Takeaway
India must go beyond policy announcements and actively support startups through funding, mentorship and infrastructure. Establishing a dedicated ‘SpaceTech Development Authority’ to coordinate efforts across ISRO, IN-SPACe, NSIL and private players can bridge gaps.

Aggressive Global Positioning and Space Diplomacy

China positions itself as a reliable partner for developing nations through initiatives like the Belt and Road Space Information Corridor and collaborations with Africa and Latin America. It uses space cooperation as a soft-power tool.

India’s Takeaway
India can build on its South-South cooperation legacy by creating a "Global Space Collaboration Initiative," focusing on shared Earth observation capabilities, disaster response and agricultural insights. Partnering with Global South nations through cost-effective satellite missions can solidify India's diplomatic outreach.

Military-Civil Fusion for Strategic Edge

China’s space program is deeply integrated with its national defense strategy. It ensures dual-use capabilities for both civilian applications and military superiority.

India’s Takeaway
While maintaining its peaceful space stance, India should integrate its civil, defense and commercial space activities for greater efficiency. Developing a Space Situational Awareness (SSA) network and enhancing space-based ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) capabilities are imperative in an era of rising geopolitical tensions.

Nationwide Public Engagement and Space Narrative

China has fostered a strong national narrative around space achievements. High-profile missions like Chang'e lunar landings are celebrated as symbols of national pride and technological prowess.

India’s Takeaway
India needs more consistent public engagement beyond launch events like Chandrayaan-3. Establishing interactive space museums, digital outreach programs and educational initiatives can ignite curiosity and create a talent pipeline for the future.

Adapting Lessons to the Indian Context

While China’s centralized, authoritarian model contrasts with India’s democratic, federal structure, its success in space stems from a clear, unwavering commitment to technological self-reliance, global outreach and long-term strategy. India must absorb these lessons while tailoring policies to its democratic ethos, ensuring that space development aligns with societal, economic and geopolitical imperatives.