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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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author has presented his views on the conduct of space agencies of several countries while operating in outer space and informs that European Union has launched a diplomatic process for the generation of International Code of Conduct (CoC). He also discusses the prospects of creating sustainable mechanism for the use of outer space for peaceful and economically beneficial purposes. He has also referred a report from United Nations on the placement of satellites in outer space.

The Indian space program, which was started with a modest mandate in the early 1960s, has today become a leader in the developing world. India's space program is civilian in orientation and has a major socioeconomic developmental focus. India also has an interest in lunar and planetary exploration missions: it has already successfully undertaken its first Moon mission. Nuclear India's growing international stature gives it strategic relevance, both regionally and globally. Satellite technology, being inherently dual-use, has applicability for strategic purposes too. Modern-day military preparation demands dependence on space assets for communication, navigation and reconnaissance. This article attempts to understand how India is trying to factor space into its overall security calculus. With changing threat perceptions, it is becoming important for the Indian armed forces to increase its dependence on space assets. Currently, the mandate for the state's civilian space program, cost considerations, technology transfer and other geopolitical concerns are limiting India's foray into the military space arena. India's position as regards conducting an anti-satellite test has also not yet been clearly articulated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]