India is positioned as a key player in the global space arena, evolving into a significant center for innovation and private sector involvement in space activities, as stated by Nidhi Khare, Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs. Speaking at the 35th ISO TC 20/SC 14 meeting on ‘Space Systems and Operations’ in New Delhi, Khare emphasized the necessity of international collaboration to establish worldwide standards for the space sector.
Khare expressed India’s pride in hosting the event, highlighting the country’s advancements in space transformation. She credited major policy changes and the establishment of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) for laying the groundwork for India’s ascent as a global space hub. These reforms have opened up avenues for both startups and established industries to enhance their involvement in India’s rapidly expanding space industry.
Furthermore, Khare emphasized the significance of international cooperation in developing and implementing standards to ensure the safety, sustainability, and inclusivity of space endeavors. The meeting, organized by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), has brought together delegates from various nations, including representatives from national standards bodies, international space agencies, industry, and academia.
Sanjay Garg, Director General of BIS, highlighted the crucial role of standardization in enhancing quality, safety, and global competitiveness within India’s growing space sector. BIS is actively aligning Indian standards with global frameworks to support the sector’s evolving requirements and enhance the global competitiveness of Indian private enterprises. Hosting the ISO meeting in India will enable local experts to engage directly in the global standardization process, strengthening both domestic capabilities and international partnerships.
Pawan Goenka, Chairman of IN-SPACe, noted the transformative growth of India’s space ecosystem driven by policy reforms and increased private sector engagement. He emphasized the importance of robust global standards in fostering innovation, instilling industry confidence, and facilitating India’s deeper integration into the global space economy.
