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

High-Tech Geopolitics Lokendra Sharma High-Tech Geopolitics Lokendra Sharma

India’s World | “It’s the economy, stupid”: Unpacking insights from Indian tech geopolitics survey

By Lokendra Sharma and Avinash Shet

Although Bill Clinton may have never said it publicly, the maxim “it’s the economy, stupid” has often been associated with his successful 1992 presidential campaign against incumbent George H. W. Bush. The maxim highlighted the primacy of economic considerations for American voters. Three decades later, this phrase aptly captures how Indians believe the country should navigate high-tech geopolitics. According to the Takshashila Institution’s recently released report “Technopolitik: A Technology Geopolitics Survey,” economic considerations have a bearing on how Indians think about national power, supply chain security, the space sector, atmanirbharta (self-reliance), and tech talent migration.

By Lokendra Sharma and Avinash Shet

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Advanced Military Technologies Shrikrishna Upadhyaya Advanced Military Technologies Shrikrishna Upadhyaya

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.

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Advanced Military Technologies Shrikrishna Upadhyaya Advanced Military Technologies Shrikrishna Upadhyaya

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.

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