General Anil Chauhan, the Chief of Defence Staff, emphasized the growing significance of space as a domain of warfare, asserting its inevitable influence on air, maritime, and land operations. Speaking at the Indian Defence Space Symposium in Delhi, he highlighted the emergence of "space diplomacy" as an imminent reality.
Joined by Navy Chief Admiral R. Hari Kumar, DRDO Chairman Samir V. Kamat, and other high-ranking military officials, General Chauhan underscored the evolving role of space in future warfare scenarios. He portrayed space as an infinite frontier, acknowledging humanity's ongoing quest to explore its mysteries and expressing India's commitment to participating in this journey.
Addressing the military's preparedness, General Chauhan referenced India's "Gaganyaan" program and its training of four cosmonauts, positioning space as not merely an emerging but an established domain of warfare. He drew parallels with historical shifts in warfare, where new domains inevitably influenced battles in older ones, noting space's potential to influence operations across various domains.
Characterizing space as a "global commons," General Chauhan dismissed the notion of sovereignty in this domain and anticipated the advent of space diplomacy. He emphasized the potential of space capabilities to enhance military cooperation and international diplomacy, envisioning India as a future provider of space services to other nations.
Encouraging collaboration between the DRDO, Indian start-ups, and space industries, General Chauhan stressed the importance of bridging technological gaps to maintain strategic superiority. The symposium, attended by domain experts and military officials, serves as a platform for discussing these critical issues.
In his keynote address, Navy Chief Admiral Kumar commended India's achievements in space despite challenges, highlighting the country's growing prowess in both maritime and space domains. Drawing parallels between the vastness of seas and space, he emphasized the need for pioneering initiatives to harness their potential and secure India's position on the global stage.
DRDO Chairman Kamat echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the evolving importance of space in warfare and the urgency for India to leverage its existing capabilities for strategic advantage. He stressed the imperative of technological advancement to ensure preparedness for future conflicts.
In conclusion, the symposium underscores India's commitment to enhancing its space capabilities and leveraging them for national security and development. Through collaboration, innovation, and strategic foresight, India aims to assert its position as a leading player in the evolving landscape of space warfare.
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