Angelin Mariya Jiji
India just solidified its commitment to the U.S.-led Artemis program. The program aims to send humans back to the Moon, by formally endorsing the Artemis Accords on June 21, 2023. This non-binding agreement signifies India’s growing influence in the international space race. India’s desire to enhance collaboration with the United States in space exploration is evident in this deal. The signing of the Artemis Accords by India has sparked discussions about the agreement’s importance, India’s initial reservations, and the advantages it can derive from participating in the Artemis program.
India’s space program has undergone substantial growth since its establishment in the 1970s. Through successful missions such as Chandrayaan-1 and Mangalyaan, India has solidified its position as a prominent global player in space exploration. ISRO, the Indian Space Research Organization, has made remarkable strides in developing its own launch capabilities and expanding its involvement in planetary science. With its indigenous lunar and Martian missions, India is playing a pivotal role in lunar and Martian exploration.
The Artemis Accords provide a set of guidelines and principles for the ambitious Artemis program, which encompasses a range of initiatives such as lunar surface bases, spacecraft, a lunar orbiting station, and satellite constellations for navigation and communication. Signing the Artemis Accords holds significant importance for India as it solidifies the country’s collaboration with the United States. This agreement grants India access to NASA‘s advanced technology and expertise, allowing for enhanced cooperation in the field of space exploration.
By joining the Artemis Alliance and participating in the groundbreaking Artemis mission, India has the chance to bolster its space capabilities significantly. Additionally, this move can be viewed as a strategic response to counter China’s lunar aspirations. China’s intentions to establish its International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) differ from the principles set forth in the Artemis Accords, further highlighting the contrasting approaches between the two countries in lunar exploration.
India‘s involvement in the Artemis Accords aligns it with a coalition that opposes China’s approach, particularly with Pakistan’s planned participation in China’s lunar base project. From a diplomatic perspective, signing the Artemis Accords symbolizes the deepening ties between India and the United States. As bilateral relations strengthen, India showcases its willingness to engage in international initiatives led by the U.S., marking a subtle shift in its diplomatic approach. However, participating in the Artemis program presents both opportunities and challenges for India. While it opens doors to substantial opportunities, such as technology access and enhanced collaboration, there are also challenges that need to be addressed.
In order to fully leverage the benefits of the Artemis program, India will have to undertake several key initiatives. This includes augmenting its space budget, surmounting domestic resistance to collaboration, fostering greater private sector participation, and establishing legislation that promotes space activities. These efforts are crucial for India to enhance its capabilities and derive maximum advantages from its involvement in the Artemis program.
India’s endorsement of the Artemis Accords represents a noteworthy milestone in its pursuit of space exploration. By joining forces with the U.S.-led initiative, India not only gains access to cutting-edge technology but also strengthens its space capabilities and actively participates in a global endeavor focused on advancing human presence beyond Earth. The Artemis program serves as a catalyst for international collaboration, cementing India’s status as a prominent participant in the evolving space race and fostering strategic partnerships in the pursuit of scientific breakthroughs and technological progress.
