Sharing of experiences and best practices in Space sector key to India- Oceania partnerships: Jitendra Singh, MoS, Science and Technology

NEW DELHI, 15 September 2021: LEADS is curated as a strategic platform for global leaders from Asia, Europe, Africa, CIS, Americas & the Pacific, to deliberate on the tenets of Leadership, economic Excellence and Adaptability to change and to build on pillars of Diversity and Sustainability.

Addressing the virtual ‘LEADS 2021- Oceania Session on Future of India-Oceania Space Technology Partnerships’ organized by FICCI, Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (I/C), Ministry of Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MOS for PMO/ Personnel, Atomic Energy, Space, Govt of India today emphasised on the achievements of Indian space sector and its cost-effective pursuits. “This has given us recognition and lead on global stage, and it is good that it is being highlighted at LEADS 2021,” he added.

Singh also stressed upon the application of space technologies in various sectors such as railways, agriculture, monitoring weather, disaster management and urged FICCI to focus on involvement of downstream services and start-ups.

Dr Sangita Reddy, Immediate Past President, FICCI and Joint Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals highlighted that India and Oceania need to consider cross pollination of ideas through partnerships in R& D in earth observation, Artificial Intelligence, robotics and human exploration.

Anthony Murfett, Deputy Head, Australian Space Agency, Australia, shared that we are focusing on thriving start up communities to consider cheaper technologies for regional prosperity

Dr Jason Held, CEO, Saber Astronautics, Australia mentioned that the downstream technologies industry currently valued at USD 420 billion will be tripling in next 10 years.

D Radhakrishnan, CMD, New Space India Limited (NSIL) highlighted that India has built capabilities for earth observation and has been working on space sector for the betterment of mankind.

Professor Andy Koronios, CEO & Managing Director, SmartSat CRC, Australia suggested that India and Oceania need to find complementarities and build upon tangible opportunities for taking forward the partnerships in space sector. He also said that there has been exponential growth in space sector in Oceania region and there is fierce competition for innovating technologies in this industry.

Vikram Chandra, Founder Editorji Technologies emphasised that India is building a reputation for frugal space technologies vis-a-vis the West.

The session was concluded with the following key outcomes:

India- Oceania region can collaborate on building satellites, satellite launches, atmospheric research, data calibration and remote sensing in a cost-efficient way.
India-Oceania should focus on sustainable space technologies and offer opportunities to thriving start up communities to develop nano satellites industry.
There is need to establish consortiums between space organisations, private sector and universities for research and innovation in space.