A new dimension to space security

The increasing Chinese threat to the communication system and other space stations and satellites forced India in-principle to establish an Integrated Space Cell (ISC) under the supervision of the Integrated Defence Services Head Quarters to counter the enhancing menace to our space assets.

The government on Monday announced the formation of a Space Cell under the Integrated Defence Services Headquarters.

Addressing the Unified Commanders' two-day Conference, which began here on Monday, Defence Minister A K Antony said though we wanted to utilise space for peaceful purposes and remain committed to our policy of non-weaponisation of space, but at the same time we can not avoid the 'offensive counter space systems like anti-satellite weaponry, new classes of heavy lift and small boosters and an improved array of Military Space Systems flourishing in our neighbourhood.'

The new Space Cell will serve multipurpose activities and act for integration among the Armed Forces, the Department of Space and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Last year China successfully showed its reach to space by destructing one of her satellite operating from earth and that was a red signal to the security of our space systems. Recently known to India about the Chinese torpedo founded under the sea further forced the country to resort to some drastic measures for defence.

Apart from establishing Space Cell, the government will also set up Defence Informatics Centre (DIC) to cater to the e-governance requirements of the Armed Forces, the Defence Ministry and other associated organisations.

The two-day conference focussing on a number of issues related to ongoing process of jointness amongst the three Services and speaking for Higher Defence Management was attended by a number of dignitaries comprising Chief of the three services, Chief of Integrated Service Command and Commanders and Senior Officers.

On the security challenges before the country, Antony said the security situation in Jammu & Kashmir and the North East had improved. “We will have to keep a constant vigil and intensify our efforts to ensure conduct of free and fair elections in an atmosphere of peace,” he said.

India has been committed to maintaining peaceful and harmonious relations with its neighbouring countries. Prime Minister's January visit and Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee's recent visit to China to “engage her in dialogue and trying to resolve outstanding border issues and fostering trade relations” was with the same purpose and a step forward in the direction, said Antony.

“There is enough space for the two countries to mutually cooperate and develop, while remaining sensitive to each other’s concerns. The agreement between the two countries on peace and tranquillity and the Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) and MoU on Defence Cooperation needs to be pursued by both the nations,” said the Defence Minister.

In a nutshell, Antony said India's security planning must be able well to anticipate and plan in advance. New dimensions have been added to the security environment around us. In theses circumstances, our nation's economic and technological development needs to proceed apace with out defence capabilities. But, Antony said, as we are committed to maintain harmonious relations with our neighbouring countries, we need to forge working partnerships to maintain equilibrium of peace and cooperation in the emerging world order.