Takshashila Discussion Document - Approaches to Advance India’s Interests in Outer Space
Executive Summary
In December 2022, the United Nations overwhelmingly adopted a resolution that called for states to commit not to carry out destructive direct-ascent anti-satellite missile tests. The proposed destructive DA-ASAT missile test moratorium does not restrict the research, development and deployment of counterspace capabilities. India, however, abstained from voting on the resolution and indicated its preference for legally-binding instruments. Moreover, India has yet to put forward its proposals for members of international fora to pursue. This document recommends four approaches which India can pursue to secure its interests. These recommendations are:
Pursue legally-binding instruments which ban the destructive testing of anti-satellite capabilities in outer space.
Advocate for mutual proximity notifications wherein states notify one another during close approaches or when one satellite operator notices unusual satellite behaviour by another operator.
Promote sharing space situational awareness data to increase the knowledge of the space environment and build transparency and confidence between states.
Advance existing norms, rules and responsible behaviours in outer space by adopting and strengthening non-legally-binding measures.
No single recommended approach can redress all the threats in space. India must therefore advocate for multiple approaches in tandem to achieve peace and prosperity in outer space.
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