What Happened
New Delhi Seeks Strategic Autonomy And Technological Sovereignty
The Indian government is expanding its space programme to strengthen national security, promote economic growth, and bolster its global standing. With a focus on strategic autonomy and technological sovereignty, India aims to become a key player in international space policy. The country’s space programme has already achieved significant success, including the provision of launch services for light payloads and the planned deployment of humans into space in 2027. According to a research paper by the Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik, India’s space policy is driven by a desire to reduce its technological dependence on other states and to build up its capabilities vis-à-vis its regional rival, China. The paper highlights the importance of international cooperation in the space sector, particularly with the US and European actors, and notes that India’s growing space capabilities and increasing international cooperation could have significant implications for the global space order.