Indian Space Force: A Strategic Inevitability

Abstract

Since the beginning, the critical focus of India's space programme has been investing in space technologies for the purposes of socioeconomic development. Nonetheless, India's space agenda has always remained dynamic and over the years the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has been undertaking various scientific and commercial value programmes, such as launching an astronomical satellite, undertaking missions to the Moon and Mars, launching satellites for navigation and developing the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle. Today India has increasing concerns about the security of its space assets. On 27 March 2019, the Indian Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted an anti-satellite test (ASAT). This act is said to have transformed India's strategic calculations in the domain of space. This test indicates that India is trying to redefine its own responses to space security challenges. This article attempts to recognise India's atypical space security challenges and debates on the possible response mechanism to these security challenges. The article further argues that constituting an Indian Space Force could be the most apt response mechanism in this context.