Politics · India Bureau
India pushes for binding UN treaty to ban space weapons
India has called for a legally binding international agreement to prevent an arms race in outer space, arguing that the cosmos should remain a domain for global cooperation rather than conflict. The call came as New Delhi emphasized its role as a major space-faring nation with both civilian and security interests.
LSN India ·
India's Member of Parliament Sudha Murty delivered a strong statement on outer space governance at the United Nations General Assembly First Committee on Tuesday, advocating for stricter international controls on military activities beyond Earth's atmosphere.
"Outer space belongs to all of us. We are one Earth, one family with one future," Murty said, underscoring India's position that space exploration should prioritize collective benefit over geopolitical competition. She stressed that New Delhi views its space programme as serving both developmental and security objectives, making the regulation of space militarization a priority issue.
Murty acknowledged the evolving landscape of space activities, noting that an increasing number of nations and private actors are now engaging in space ventures. The rise of dual-use technologies—systems capable of serving both civilian and military purposes—has further complicated the international debate on space security.
India reiterated its longstanding position that the international community should adopt a comprehensive, legally binding instrument specifically addressing the prevention of an arms race in outer space. The country noted that differing viewpoints persist among UN member states on which approach should take precedence in preventing space militarization, creating ongoing challenges in reaching consensus on the issue.