Venkaiah Naidu urges global action against threat to satellites

Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu Tuesday said nations should be concerned with the pursuit of weapons systems capable of destroying satellites in orbit. 

He said India has always been a responsible space power and maintained international efforts need to focus on the likely global consequences of conflict in the space domain. 

"India, as a responsible power, has always collaborated with other nations on space issues. "As such, the outer space environment is very complex with over 80 nations and numerous government consortia, scientific and commercial firms accessing and operating satellites for countless economic, scientific, educational and social missions," he said. 

The vice-president was speaking after inaugurating the Forum for Integrated National Security conference `Sagar Discourse 2.0" near Panaji. 

"At the same time, threats to space systems from debris and other irresponsible activities are adding to the complexity. "We all need to be concerned with the pursuit of weapons systems capable of destroying satellites in orbit," he added. 

Naidu said the competitive approach and the important role played by space technologies in improving economies and providing national security have heightened the international community's interest in space security. 

"Diplomatic engagement, coupled with scientific cooperation, will help in finding common solutions to the challenges we face in relation to the outer space environment," Naidu said international efforts need to focus on the likely global consequences of conflict in the space domain. 

"Such conflicts might not be limited to just a few countries but could extend to all spacefarers and the entire globe." 

Referring to South Asia, Naidu said this is the region which has some of the fastest growing economies, abundant natural resources, young and vibrant population and some of the brightest scientists and technologists. 

"At the same time, this region also faces security threats like cross-border terrorism population explosion, ecological vulnerability and environmental deterioration. 

"These problems have no boundaries and the solutions need also be borderless," the vice-president added. "We need to collaborate and make optimal use of the scientific prowess available in the region to find solutions. Unless we address these problems urgently the future of humanity would be uncertain." 

He said India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed to address these global issues and take a leading role as a responsible power. 

"The borderless problems require seamless solutions and I am sure that space-related technologies will play an important role in providing us with the wherewithal to improve a lot of humanity," he said. 

Naidu said for India, international co-operation in the space sector is aimed at intensifying relations with traditional partners and establishing new ties with other nations for promoting the peaceful use of outer space. 

"The activities include carrying out joint activities of mutual interest, sharing expertise in applications of space technology and participating in international events dealing with space," Naidu said as part of the neighbourhood first policy, the Indian prime minister had mooted the idea of SAARC satellite. 

"This is to provide communication and meteorology support from geosynchronous orbit to serve the needs of SAARC member nations," he added.

(With inputs from agencies.)