Eric Garcetti, the US Ambassador to India, recently visited the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) headquarters. The visit focused on strengthening the two states’ cooperation in earth observation and human space flights. The spotlight of the meeting was an initiative, the development of a QUAD satellite, under the partnership of the US, Japan, and India. Previously, the ISRO conducted parachute tests as a part of its Gaganyaan mission, which was held in March 2023. The tests of the deployment of Gaganyaan Pilot and Apex Cover Separation (ACS) parachutes in cluster configurations were directed using the ‘Rail Track Rocket Sled’ method at the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), located in Chandigarh.
The Gaganyaan project, as per the ISRO, aims to demonstrate India’s capacity for human spaceflight by launching a crew of three people on a three-day voyage to a 400 km orbit. The goal is to return the crew to Earth safely, and a landing in Indian waters is scheduled. It is vital to highlight that India’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities have developed notably over the past 20 years, which has consequences for both the region and the world. Many of the world powers have adopted this trajectory for both military and commercial reasons, which has provided emerging nations like India with the motivation to create their own cross-domain ISR network.
Moreover, in 2022–2023, the Indian Department of Space earned ₹12,500 crore. With its Gaganyaan mission, ISRO has a vision to reach 84% human spaceflight capability by 2023–2024. Furthermore, ISRO also intends to launch 13 satellites with four PSLV launches, three spacecraft with two GSLV launches, and one satellite with its most recent SSLV rocket. Surprisingly, the ISRO estimates that the commercial revenue earned by these endeavors will total around ₹331.5 crore.
For several reasons, this is significant for Pakistani policymakers. Firstly, India has been investing in ISR for a very long time, and it has been an essential part of its military activities. The trend has been followed for a long time; the only change is in the ISR’s techniques and tools, which have been modified over time. In the old days, spies were the major source for intelligence-gathering operations. Today, satellites orbiting the earth have replaced human spying. In such operations, manned and unmanned vehicles have played a crucial role. The activities go along all the domains of air, land, sea, and space and seem to play a more crucial role in future military operations.
India has been consistently modernizing its ISR force structure by working on its strategic warning system, which encompasses a variety of intelligence-gathering tools. As part of the upgrade of its ISR capabilities, it is expanding its fleet of airborne platforms, ground sensors, and satellites. Focusing incredibly on Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Command and Control, Communications, Personal Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR), ISRO has gained considerable success in this field over the last two decades. Moreover, the addition of heavier-class satellites to India’s activities in several sectors is further strengthening its ISR capability network.
Such advancements in satellite technology would support India’s work in many different areas, such as geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) and Electronic Intelligence (ELINT). Moreover, to build a more robust Ballistic Missile Defence System (BMD) these capabilities, including effective communication, early warning, navigation, search and rescue, and space control, play a vital role that must be enhanced. Following the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCOSA), 2018, the strategic partnerships of India in 2020 have been modified further, resulting in a bilateral agreement with the United States, namely the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA).
Under this agreement, India benefited as it gained access to US geospatial intelligence. This not only assisted India in forming a robust ISR system but also increased the accuracy of its automated weapons and systems, including missile-armed drones as well. Interestingly, it will enhance India’s military operational capabilities specifically (in identifying targets, navigating ships, and flying its aircraft). The agreement is crucial as it empowers both states to share high-end satellite images and telephonic intercepts. In addition to that, India will also benefit from BECA in the formulation of its geographic information policy and goals.
In May 2022, the U.S.-India initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (ICET), which intends to advance and strengthen the strategic technology partnership and defense industrial collaboration between the two states, was introduced by President Biden and Prime Minister Modi and held great importance. According to a White House fact sheet published on January 31, 2023, exchange programs would give Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and Department of Space personnel an opportunity for advanced training at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, strengthening collaboration on human spaceflight.
Furthermore, this partnership will be the research and development cooperation boosted more by an increase in identifying operational use cases for maritime security and intelligence surveillance reconnaissance, which will further strengthen the alliance (ISR). Upon viewing all these developments, it is clear that India is focusing more on enhancing its ISR capabilities. Moreover, the induction of unmanned aerial vehicles has further reinforced the Indian ISR’s operational capabilities.
Interestingly, the Indian defense forces have devised a plan to attain over 5,000 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the next 10 years for about US $3 billion, as per the decision made in 2016. Amongst these, many Israeli unmanned vehicles are of greater importance, for instance, Searcher I/II, Heron I, Super Heron, and Heron TP. Although this boost is what India considers best for its security, the global and regional implications are threatening. In this case, many neighboring states would feel insecure with the security dilemma repeating itself over and over again. Global players should play their part, as they have a responsibility to promote peace and stability between states. There is a need for states to rethink before their strategic partnerships disturb both peace and the power balance equation in the region and beyond.
The author holds an M.Phil. degree in Strategic Studies from the National Defense University, Islamabad. Ms Tooba is a former researcher at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Institute of Strategic Studies, and the Islamabad Policy Research Institute. Furthermore, she is the author of the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project. Currently, associated with NLC as a researcher.
Add a Comment