“India Space Congress Driving Collaboration and Sustainable Growth Empowering Socio-Economic Development”
New Delhi : Three day long India Space Congress 2023 and SIA-India Unite with respective Governors of 3 states, 200+ Speakers, and 400+ Delegates .Dr Subba Rao Pavuluri, President, SIA-India said in his concluding day Keynote Address, “India Space Congress 2023 marked a significant milestone with the attendance of esteemed governors from Haryana, Uttarakhand, and Mizoram, showcasing the higher authority’s recognition of the congress’s importance. With the theme ‘Redefining the Space Sector for Empowering Socio-Economic Development,’ SIA-India is confident that this three-day congress will harness the potential of satellite and space applications to drive socio-economic development across India.”
His Excellency, Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, the Governor of Mizoram said “ The impactful role of the Space-Based Information Support for Decentralised Planning of Mizoram in promoting inclusive and sustainable development. The adoption of space applications in Mizoram holds immense importance in driving inclusive and sustainable development. These technologies empower local communities, optimize resource allocation, enhance infrastructure planning, and strengthen disaster preparedness. By harnessing the power of space-based information, Mizoram is poised to achieve significant progress in various sectors, ensuring a brighter and more prosperous future for its residents”
Air Marshal Surat Singh, Director General Air (Operations) “The significance of space assets in warfare based on the Gulf War of 1991. In that conflict, space assets played a crucial role in monitoring, controlling, and softening the battlefield for 39 days, despite only 100 hours of ground fighting. Space assets must be protected from cyber-attacks through hardening measures and the application of quantum technology. The Indian Air Force views space as an extension of the air domain, considering persistent ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) and high-precision PNT (Positioning, Navigation, and Timing) as highly important.”
Shri Sunil, Additional Director General, Prasar Bharti stated “Satellites are Leading innovation for B2B and B2C Video creating new revenue streams, and enhance the overall value proposition. By embracing new technologies, business models, and partnerships, companies can stay competitive and capitalize on the increasing demand for video content across various platforms and devices.”
Mr Hazem Moakkit, VP-Spectrum Strategy, Intelsat Special Address (Special Guest of Honour) “The space industry is experiencing significant transformation with the emergence of new satellite operators, launch providers, and in-orbit service providers. India is poised to play a major role in this evolving landscape. The Indian government acknowledges its significant role in the space sector, as demonstrated by the release of a comprehensive space policy. A well-defined space policy not only sets a clear direction but also instills confidence among investors, fostering growth and development in the industry”
India also needs a clear spectrum assignment mechanism. Simplifying the spectrum access process improves allocation and utilization, benefiting telecommunications, broadcasting, and other industries. This promotes growth and contributes to overall economic development by streamlining channels like the Department of Space and the Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC). SIA-India looks forward to having spectrum policy that assures assignment through administrative license.
The DefSAT 2023 Report, released at India’s inaugural India Space Congress 2023, emphasizes the importance of space as a critical component of India’s defence strategy. The report highlights the concept of civil-military fusion, emphasizing the integration of civil and military capabilities in space to enhance defence preparedness. It stresses the need to procure, establish, maintain, and utilize space assets, services, data, and insights for both defence and civilian purposes. The report recognizes the significance of satellite communication, remote sensing, surveillance, navigation, and intelligence gathering in strengthening national security and advocates for the coordinated use of space and ground-based systems to achieve comprehensive defence infrastructure.
Director General, SIA-India, Mr Anil Prakash “The decision of the GST Council for the extension of the GST exemption on satellite launch services is a welcome move. It promotes the ‘Make in India’ initiative and improves the ease of doing business. We appreciate the government’s recognition of the importance of a level playing field for the private sector and startups in the space industry. SIA-India had suggested this support in its pre-budget memorandum, and the government’s acceptance demonstrates its commitment to fostering sector growth and nurturing entrepreneurship. SIA-India also looks forward to a liberalised FDI Policy, inclusion of Space sector in PLI and Defence Offset”.