India, Bhutan Sign Pact on Cooperation In Peaceful Uses Of Outer Space

In a significant development, the Union Cabinet approved the Memorandum of Understanding between India and Bhutan on cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space.

Key-takeaways from the Agreement

• A Joint Working Group would be set up, drawing members from DOS/ISRO and the Ministry of Information and Communications (MoIC) of Bhutan.
  • The group will further work out the plan of action including the time-frame and the means of implementation.
• Area of cooperation: This MoU will enable India and Bhutan to pursue cooperation in potential interest areas, such as:
  • remote sensing of the earth
  • satellite communication and satellite-based navigation
  • Space science and planetary exploration
  • use of spacecraft and space systems and ground system
  • application of space technology

How will it benefit the nations?

• It will provide Impetus to explore cooperation possibilities in the field of remote sensing of the earth; satellite communication; satellite navigation; space science and exploration of outer space.

Principal International Treaty on Space

• The principal international Treaty on space is the 1967 Outer Space Treaty.
• India is a signatory to this treaty, and ratified it in 1982.
• The Outer Space Treaty prohibits only weapons of mass destruction in outer space, not ordinary weapons.