Commentary
Find our newspaper columns, blogs, and other commentary pieces in this section. Our research focuses on Advanced Biology, High-Tech Geopolitics, Strategic Studies, Indo-Pacific Studies & Economic Policy
The Hindu | Deepening India’s Steps as a Key Space-faring Nation
By Ashwin Prasad
India has set ambitious goals for its space programme in the next two decades. These goals hinge on powerful, reusable rockets such as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)’s upcoming Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV). In addition to the NGLV, India must tap into its private sector to develop more such rockets in order to secure strategic autonomy in its access to outer space.
By Ashwin Prasad
Read the full article here.
News18 | ‘Catching’ Innovation: What India Can Learn From SpaceX’s Latest Triumph
By Arindam Goswami and Ashwin Prasad
Embrace risk, support long-term thinking, and create ecosystems that turn ambitious dreams into reality.
What would an Indian SpaceX look like? Perhaps it’s not in space at all, but in renewable energy, biotechnology, or quantum computing. The key is that ambitious innovators need an environment where they can take big risks, fail fast, and keep pushing boundaries. This means rethinking everything, from our bankruptcy laws to our education system. We need to transform India’s innovation ecosystem from a permission-based system to a performance-based one, and move away from subjective approvals to objective criteria, much like how SpaceX operates under clear FAA guidelines rather than case-by-case permissions.
By Arindam Goswami and Ashwin Prasad
Read the full article here.
Deccan Herald | A Strategic Thrust To Space Beyond Borders
By Ashwin Prasad
As space activities grow beyond the traditional state-led programs, policy is beginning to catch up. On October 17, the US government eased space-related export controls to expand its commercial sector's reach. However, trade liberalisation in the space sector should evolve beyond allowing hardware sales. International cooperation between the US and its allies can distribute the space technology supply chains beyond national borders across trusted geographies. When spread across globally, technology development will reduce costs, enable specialisation, facilitate innovation, increase production rates and promote geopolitical stability on Earth and beyond.
By Ashwin Prasad
Read the full article here.
The Print | Govt’s Rs 1000 cr Fund for Space Sector has Drawbacks. It Should Bet on Outcomes, Not Ideas
Government as an anchor customer provides a stable source of demand for space-based services, reducing uncertainties in the market. It can boost investor confidence in the Indian space sector, attracting investments from home and abroad.
By Ashwin Prasad
Read the full article here.
Mint | Private sector participation in LVM3 production could mean a space sector boom
By Ashwin Prasad
In a recent keynote address at a US- India Business Council event, the chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro), S. Somnath, spoke about the retirement of the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (Nasa) Space Shuttle programme in 2011. For three decades, the Space Shuttle had ferried astronauts and satellites, even aided in building the International Space Station (ISS). Read the full article here.
Firstpost | Agnikul’s first test flight: Time for private sector to be wings of Indian space industry
By Ashwin Prasad
Agnikul’s first rocket, Agnibaan SOrTeD, completed its maiden suborbital test flight, marking a significant milestone for the Indian private space industry.
Accessing space is now easier than ever, creating new growth and innovation opportunities. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has developed the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle ( SSLV ) to enable quick and flexible on-demand launches, complementing its existing fleet of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicles (PSLV) and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicles (GSLV) for heavier payloads. Read the full article here.
Deccan Herald | New guidelines could hamper India’s promising space industry
By Ashwin Prasad
On May 3, space regulator Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) released new guidelines and procedures for space activity. These guidelines may have a detrimental effect on India’s emerging private space sector. Read the full article here.
The Diplomat | China’s Military-Civil Fusion Space Program
By Ashwin Prasad & Rakshith Shetty
On April 17, NASA chief Bill Nelson cautioned that China’s “so-called civilian space program is a military program,” emphasizing that the United States is engaged in a space “race” with China. While NASA may have its reasons for securitizing this issue, one cannot overlook China’s rapid advancements in the space sector. China’s objective is to develop and acquire advanced dual-use technology for military purposes and deepen the reform of its national defense science and technology industries, which also serves a broader purpose of strengthening the country’s comprehensive national power. Read the full article here.
Firstpost | How private sector can propel a new wave of space revolution in India
By Ashwin Prasad
The Government of India amended the FDI policy for the space sector on 5 March 2024. This has liberalised thresholds for various space-related activities. This change comes on the heels of a slew of space reforms by the government that began in 2020. The reforms created a fertile ground for the cropping up of many space start-ups in the country but did not address their funding needs. While the FDI reforms have the potential to address this deficiency, they are insufficient in a vacuum. India’s share of the global space economy is $8 billion, and the government aims for a five-fold increase by 2040. To achieve this, the government will have to place larger bets. Read the full article here.