Strategic Context
- India-EU Space Dialogue: A formal “space dialogue” is being proposed as a first step to deepen bilateral collaboration.
- Broader Strategic Framework: This aligns with the growing India–EU strategic partnership, including tech, trade, and defense.
Relevance : GS 2(International Relations)
Key Security Concerns in Outer Space
- ASAT Debris Generation:
- The envoy emphasized the global concern over debris from destructive Anti-Satellite (ASAT) weapons tests.
- India’s 2019 ASAT test was referenced — a direct “hit-to-kill” test at ~300 km Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
- EU’s Stand: Supports ban on destructive ASAT testing in the UN context.
- RPO (Rendezvous and Proximity Operations):
- Defined as one satellite maneuvering near another, potentially for docking or inspection.
- Concerns: When done without prior notification or by adversarial actors, RPOs pose a threat to satellite safety.
- EU’s View: RPOs aren’t inherently dangerous, but need internationally agreed norms to prevent misuse.
- Cybersecurity Threats:
- Jamming and spoofing of satellite signals threaten critical services (navigation, communication, etc.).
- Emphasis on the need for space cyber-resilience.
Regulatory Collaboration
- Norms for Responsible Behaviour:
- India and EU can collaborate in shaping global norms, rules, and principles of responsible conduct in outer space.
- Need for rules-based order in space, akin to maritime/airspace norms.
- Space Situational Awareness (SSA):
- Shared concern on tracking and managing space debris and unauthorized satellite proximity.
- EU Space Act (Upcoming):
- Focus: EU internal coordination for competitiveness in the space sector.
- Objective: Avoid fragmentation across 27 EU nations; does not aim to regulate third countries like India.
Opportunities for India
- Norm Shaping:
- As a major space power, India can play a leading role in global governance frameworks on space security.
- Chance to align with democratic and responsible space-faring nations.
- Civil and Dual-Use Tech Cooperation:
- Joint work on non-military space missions, earth observation, climate change monitoring, satellite-based services.
- Potential for collaboration on emerging techs like small satellites, launch vehicles, and data analytics.
India’s Strategic Balancing
- Maintaining Strategic Autonomy:
- India must carefully balance its ASAT capabilities and national security goals while engaging with multilateral efforts.
- Can push for differentiation between destructive and non-destructive technologies in space diplomacy.
- Engagement Without Compromise:
- Participation in rule-setting doesn’t mean curtailing sovereign capabilities.
- Opportunity to prevent regulatory capture by space superpowers.
