India stands for international Space collaborations for mankind, says Minister
India’s Space economy will grow to US$40 billion by 2040 from US$8 billion today, says Minister of State for Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh, noting that a report by Arthur D Little has put the sector’s potential at US$100 billion in 2040.
ISRO has launched more than 380 foreign satellites, earning more than 220 million Euros and over US$170 million by launching American satellites, he said in a keynote address at the 2-day Conference on ‘Space – The final frontier for China in its quest for global leadership’, organised by the Centre for Contemporary China Studies, MEA, in New Delhi on 18 Oct 2023.
He also assured that India stands for international Space collaborations for the larger benefit of mankind. “It is our solemn commitment that the Outer Space is used only for peaceful purposes and kept free of conflict.”
The Minister said, “We have consistently adhered to the principles of transparency, accountability and peaceful uses of Space.
“And, therefore, we urge upon every other nation including China to engage in open dialogue with others so that we share each other’s missions, ventures without being secretive or suspicious and also ensure that we preserve a secure, safe and stable environment.”
Underlining that India’s Space programme is not only globally competitive but also excelling, Dr Jitendra Singh reiterated that India’s Space programme is entirely peaceful and that ISRO is collaborating with world’s leading Space agencies to bring ‘Ease of Living’ for the common citizen.
“Even though the USA and the then Soviet Union had started their Space journey long before us and America also landed a human being on the surface of Moon in 1969, it was nevertheless our Chandrayaan that brought home the evidence of water on the surface of Moon,” he said.
NASA has offered a Joint Space Mission to the International Space Station during the historic visit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the United States this year.
Elaborated Dr Jitendra Singh, “India’s space missions are designed to be cost effective, building upon human resources and skills.
“The Russian moon mission, that was unsuccessful, cost Rs.16,000 crore, and our (Chandrayaan-3) mission cost just around Rs.600 crore.”
Referring to applications of Space Technology to different sectors like SVAMITVA, PM Gati Shakti, Infrastructure such as Railways, Highways & Smart Cities, Agriculture, Water Mapping, Telemedicine and Robotic Surgery, Dr Jitendra Singh said this ‘Whole of Nation’ approach has brought about ‘Ease of Living’ for the common man. Fiinews.com
