India has urged countries to negotiate a legally binding international agreement to prevent an arms race in outer space, emphasising that space should remain a domain of cooperation rather than conflict. Presenting India’s position at the United Nations General Assembly First Committee, MP Sudha Murty highlighted the need for global rules to address growing security risks linked to space technologies.
Speaking on Tuesday, Murty said India was a major space-faring nation whose space programme served both developmental and security objectives. She stressed that outer space should remain accessible to all countries and be used for peaceful purposes.
India Calls for a Legally Binding Space Agreement
India reiterated its support for a universally acceptable and verifiable agreement on the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space. New Delhi wants negotiations to take place among multiple countries at the Conference on Disarmament.
Murty acknowledged that technologies with both civilian and military applications had become increasingly common, complicating efforts to prevent the militarisation of space.
India also expressed openness to voluntary international norms, transparency measures and confidence-building initiatives. However, Murty maintained that these steps should complement, rather than replace, a legally binding agreement.
Managing Security Risks Without Restricting Research
India argued that threats to space safety, security and long-term sustainability should be addressed alongside the risks of misunderstanding, miscalculation and potential conflict.
Murty cautioned against selectively focusing on particular threats while overlooking others. She also highlighted the practical difficulties of verifying behaviour in space, including access to relevant information and data.
India called for clear responsibilities among international forums working on space security, safety and sustainability, warning against overlapping mandates and multiple standards addressing the same issues.
As a developing country, India also stressed that international rules should not restrict legitimate scientific research or the peaceful exchange of technological knowledge.
India Highlights Its Space Ambitions
Murty pointed to India’s space achievements, including its successful lunar landing in 2023, and highlighted plans for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme.
India is also developing plans for the Bharatiya Antariksha Station, its proposed national space station. These ambitions underline the country’s interest in maintaining a secure and predictable environment for space exploration.
In September, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a safe, secure, peaceful and sustainable space domain based on international law, dialogue and cooperation. Addressing the International Space Summit in Paris virtually, he emphasised openness and integrity in the use of scientific data.
India’s statement at the UN reinforces its position that global cooperation, legally binding rules and continued access to peaceful scientific research are essential as more countries expand their space capabilities.
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