India has proactively addressed the dual-use nature of space technologies—those serving both civilian and military purposes—by implementing comprehensive policies and establishing dedicated institutions

Key Initiatives:

• Defence Space Agency (DSA):

Established in 2019 to oversee and coordinate India's space warfare and satellite intelligence assets.

An integrated tri-services agency drawing personnel from the Army, Navy, and Air Force that develops space warfare strategies, manages space-based surveillance, and ensures the security of India's space assets.

• Spacecom Policy (2020):

Outlines the governance of space-based communication systems, emphasizing the need for coordination between civilian and defence sectors.

• Draft Space Activities Bill:

Aims to regulate space activities, including provisions related to national security and the management of dual-use technologies.

Prerequisites:

• Institutional & political interest and support for developing launchers and other dual use technologies  

• Legal expertise in space law, insurance, and liability

• Coordination with international frameworks (Outer Space Treaty, Liability Convention) and mechanisms between space agencies, insurers, and regulators to ensure clear roles, responsibilities, and communication in managing launch-related risks

• Develop familiarity with international best practices to design effective and globally aligned frameworks for launch

Cost:

• Ballpark: USD 20k–250k

• Includes: stakeholder consultations with ministries, insurers, and space agencies, drafting of legal and regulatory provisions, engagement with international best practices, establishment of liability and compensation mechanisms

Timeframe:

• Overall: 12–24 mo

• Phase: scoping & stakeholder mapping (3–6 mo), legal drafting & review (6–9 mo), parliamentary or executive approval (3–6 mo), dissemination & training (3–6 mo)

Pros:

• Strategic Autonomy – Enhance national independence in space capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign infrastructure and services.

• Commercial Sector Growth – Stimulate private sector development and innovation through increased demand and investment opportunities.

• National Security – Strengthen national defence and surveillance capabilities through sovereign space infrastructure.

• Global Positioning – Elevate the nation’s status and influence in the global space community.

Considerations:

• Technological Dependency – Reliance on foreign suppliers for key components may limit national autonomy and full technological independence.

• Defence-Civil Trade-Off – Prioritising defence objectives may divert focus and resources away from civilian space applications and innovation.

• Normative Compliance Pressure – International expectations to adhere to established norms of behaviour in space may constrain strategic flexibility.