India is working on a “military space doctrine” that is likely to be brought out in two or three months, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan said on Monday. “We are also working on a national military space policy,” he said. In his inaugural address at the third edition of the Indian DefSpace Symposium here, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) emphasised the space sector reforms undertaken by the country in recent years, and the work of the Defence Space Agency.
Need For a Space Security Doctrine
Rising Global Concerns Over Weaponisation of Outer Space
(a) In April 2024, Russia vetoed a UNSC resolution (drafted by the US and Japan) to prevent an arms race in outer space.
(b) The UN issued legally binding instructions to prevent an arms race. However, Russia and China turned their back on the 2024 draft resolution.
(c) This follows fears of Russia developing nuclear anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons.
(d) Sputnik (1957) started it, with increasing threats of space warfare and space-based defence systems.
Militarization Trends: Space as the Fifth Operational Domain
(a) Space has become the fifth arena of warfare, reflecting its critical role in defence, as per NATO.
(b) Countries like the US and Russia have created independent space forces and formulated doctrines to secure space dominance.
(c) As per the 2023 working group report, no global convergence took place on responsible behavior, which ultimately enhanced mistrust among the member countries.
Geopolitical and Astropolitical Tensions
(a) Tremendous pressure is there on India from China and Pakistan’s side.
(b) The way China is advancing toward space( the Space Silk Road) and the PLA’s restructured security forces (including Aerospace and Cyberspace) are a serious threat to India’s security.
Other Factors
(a) Resilient space-based systems are necessary when we see threats like orbital, kinetic, electronic warfare, and cyber attacks.
(b) India’s expanding space capabilities demand clear institutional frameworks to integrate civil, commercial, and military space activities.
(c) Military space operations are critical for – Safeguarding national security, Addressing vulnerabilities of space-based systems, Tackling emerging space-based threats.
India’s Key Developments in Space Security
(a) India adheres to major international space treaties, including:
1967 Outer Space Treaty (OST), 1968 Rescue Agreement, 1972 Liability Convention, 1974 Registration Convention. Signatory to the 1979 Moon Agreement, India is a member of the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) and follows the 2008 Debris Mitigation Guidelines.
(b) 2019 ASAT Test (Mission Shakti): India demonstrated its counter-space capabilities, joining the US, Russia, and China.
(c) 2010 – Integrated Space Cell: Enhanced coordination between the Department of Space and the Armed Forces.
(d) 2018 – Defence Space Agency (DSA): It was formed to address space-based military threats. For eg, DSA is playing a central role in: Drafting the military space doctrine; Building an integrated satellite communication grid; Identifying and countering threats to national security from both state and non-state actors.
(e) 2023 – Indian Space Policy (ISP): First formal space policy, although it lightly touches upon “national security”.
(f) 52-Satellite Constellation for Defence: The government has approved the launch of a 52-satellite constellation for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). 31 satellites to be built by the private sector. Execution in partnership with ISRO and private players. Aimed at bridging operational gaps and preparing for future threats.
(g) International Partnerships: India is strengthening space cooperation with QUAD, France, and others.
| People Also View: | |
|---|---|
| Trade Weaponization: A Global Concern | Top 5 NDA Coaching in India |
Implications of Space militarisation
- Mutual suspicion: Fear of war generates competition and aggressive deployment between nations
- Threat to other commercial and scientific missions: Those countries that have their military satellites in space are reluctant to disclose sensitive info like radio or orbital frequency. This affects the entire coordination system
- Space Debris: More no. of satellites in space will create problems of space debris. It further paves the way for Kessler’s syndrome.
- The monopoly in space: A limited number of orbital slots gets monopolized by developed countries. Eventually, it will limit the scope for scientific and commercial explorations.
Way forward
- International cooperation: Legally binding treaties are necessary to restrict the militarisation of space. It should ban all types of weapons, weapons of mass destruction, and traditional or simple hit-to-kill weapons.
- Space-domain awareness: Need Investment in space-domain awareness and diplomatic agreements. For eg, the ‘Combined Space Operations Initiative’ (CSpO) between the ‘five-eyes’ states plus Germany and France.
- Mitigating space debris: Space situational awareness is essential to keep a watch on everything happening in space. It includes space debris, rogue satellite behaviour, anti-collision mechanisms, and possible signs of weaponisation by others.
- Enforceable space law: States that violate the norms for responsible behaviour should go through immediate and significant diplomatic, political, and economic sanctions. For e.g., Proposed Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space (PAROS). It is a UN resolution seeking a ban on the weaponization of space.
- Technology transfer– legitimate access for all states to outer space. Also, provision of training and access to technology without discrimination should be there.
- India as a global leader: India can take leadership and use international platforms to negotiate a treaty for the peaceful use of outer space.
Our Selections:
Though India is currently in a nascent phase of military weaponisation, sooner rather than later, it will join the elite club of countries with a robust grip on the military space sector. To materialise the desired goal of India, only the persistent determination and handholding of all stakeholders will be required.
We hope this information, ‘India’s Military Space Doctrine’, will help the students and aware readers and may be helpful for aspirants preparing for the SSB Interview.