New Delhi: Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, emphasized the transformative impact of satellite communication (Satcom) on India’s digital landscape at the 3rd Indian Space Conclave, held in New Delhi. Speaking on the theme “Advancing Space Communications and Global Partnerships,” Dr. Pemmasani underscored Satcom as a critical force in realizing Digital India, extending connectivity to “every household, village, and corner of the country.”
“Every advancement in space technology has had a transformative impact on Earth,” said Dr. Pemmasani. “Satcom is not just a tool but a transformative force, supporting essential sectors and India’s sustained growth.” He credited policies like the SatCom Reform 2022 for creating an inclusive environment for innovation, enabling public and private sector participation, and propelling India as a global space leader. Dr. Pemmasani added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of an “inevitable rise” for India has sparked a renaissance in Indian space science, with initiatives like Chandrayaan and Gaganyaan elevating the nation’s stature in space exploration.
Highlighting the complementary role of Satcom, he noted, “This partnership between ground and sky creates a resilient network that empowers solutions across sectors and meets the evolving needs of a modern economy. Satcom doesn’t compete with terrestrial networks; it enhances them.”
The event, organized by the Indian Space Association (ISPA), convened leaders from government, industry, and academia to discuss India’s future in space communications. Madhu Arora, Member (Technology) at the Department of Telecommunications, addressed the critical role of Satcom in disaster response and reliable telecommunications connectivity. She shared that the DoT is actively collaborating with both national and international stakeholders to tackle challenges like spectrum management, space debris mitigation, and cybersecurity.
The conclave featured in-depth discussions on various facets of Satcom, such as “Strengthening Satcom Adoption in India: Bridging Challenges & Opportunities,” “Innovation, Security, and Future Space Capabilities,” and “Navigating the Global Newspace Landscape: Policy Framework and Regulatory Challenges for Deeper Cooperation & Co-creation.” Stakeholders across policymaking, government, industry, academia, and user communities exchanged insights on expanding Satcom’s adoption and its role in sustainable development, human space flight, and beyond.