India's quest for ‘global space and influence’ through the ‘outer space’ domain

Abstract

Consequent to Anti-Satellite tests by China (in 2007) and India (in 2019), coupled with the potential militarization of space and advanced developments in space technology; strategic balance in South Asia is being affected by the new space race after the Cold War era. Currently, South Asia is in a trilemma due to China, India, and Pakistan's evolving space environment and varying security dynamics. In particular, the Indian quest for regional hegemony to counter China, to become “The Great Power” has further complicated the situation. In this context, this study presents a comprehensive overview of global outer space exploration, examines India's evolution in the outer space domain, analyzes the historic perspective of Indian quest for power and influence on the regional and global community as well as evaluates India's collaboration in space projects and space governance. The innovative space technologies are likely to have significant implications for strategic stability and space power competition in South Asia. Analyzing the likely impact of India's potential hegemonic design and quest for power and influence in the outer space domain; this study explores the technological asymmetries and the Indian quest for power likely to create strategic instability which may ultimately lead to unnecessary space race through investments in space technology and weaponization of space. Moreover, it would create a particular space block threatening the interests of the region and the global peaceful use of space. This study also presents comprehensive implications and associated recommendations for stability in the region.