Domestic pushback: Protectionist concerns from Indian dairy and small manufacturing sectors
Post-FTA review mechanisms: Need robust systems for dispute resolution and performance tracking
Relevance for GS Paper II and Essay
IR Perspective: Reflects shifting alliances in the post-Brexit geopolitical order
Economic Diplomacy: Illustrates India’s evolving role as a rule-shaper in global trade
Essay themes: “India’s strategic autonomy through trade diplomacy”; “Reimagining economic partnerships in a multipolar world”
Summary
The India–UK FTA is more than a trade deal—it is a strategic pivot in India’s global economic positioning. While the UK seeks partners in its post-Brexit reality, India leverages this opportunity to diversify markets, attract investments, and build future-ready trade frameworks. The FTA embodies India’s move toward becoming a global economic influencer, though its real success will depend on inclusive implementation, sectoral adjustment, and sustained bilateral engagement.
Exam Connect – Possible Questions
Prelims
Which of the following countries is part of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) that the UK recently joined? A. India B. China C. Japan D. Russia Answer: C
Under the Companies Act, which of the following statements about FTAs is correct in India’s context? A. FTAs are regulated by the Election Commission B. FTAs require Parliamentary ratification under Article 368 C. FTAs are negotiated and signed by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry D. FTAs must be approved by the Finance Commission Answer: C
Which of the following sectors are expected to benefit most from the India–UK FTA?
Pharmaceuticals
IT Services
Defence Manufacturing
Textiles
Select the correct option: A. 1, 2 and 4 only B. 1 and 3 only C. 2, 3 and 4 only D. All of the above Answer: A
Mains
“The India–UK FTA is a model for balancing national economic priorities with global integration.” Critically assess this statement in light of recent trade diplomacy developments.
How does the India–UK Free Trade Agreement reflect a shift in India’s foreign and economic policy in the post-pandemic, post-Brexit global order?
Discuss the strategic implications of India’s first major FTA outside Asia. How can India leverage such agreements to achieve its Viksit Bharat 2047 vision?
While FTAs promise trade and investment benefits, they also pose domestic risks. Evaluate the potential sectoral winners and losers in India from the India–UK FTA.
2. Cashless Treatment Scheme for Road Accident Victims, 2025 – Governance & Public Health
Why in News?
On May 5, 2025, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) officially notified the Cashless Treatment of Road Accident Victims Scheme.
It aims to provide financial protection and immediate care to accident victims, addressing the alarming rate of 1.72 lakh road fatalities out of 4.80 lakh accidents reported in 2023.
Introduced following a Supreme Court directive to improve emergency trauma care and reduce preventable deaths.
What Does the Scheme Offer?
Feature
Details
Financial Coverage
Up to ₹1.5 lakh per person, per accident
Timeframe
Covers expenses for up to 7 days from the date of the accident
Eligibility
All victims, including uninsured individuals, across India
Focus Area
Ensures treatment during the golden hour—the first hour post-trauma, when timely intervention can save lives
Healthcare Delivery & Hospital Roles
Designated Hospitals:
Must treat victims immediately.
Cannot demand payment upfront.
Responsible for comprehensive care within scheme limits.
Non-Designated Hospitals:
May provide only initial stabilization.
Required to transfer patients to designated centers once stable.
Governance Mechanism & Implementation
Level
Institution/Role
National
MoRTH and National Health Authority (NHA) to oversee strategy, funding, and compliance
State
State Road Safety Council (SRSC) acts as nodal body; State Health Agency (SHA) manages hospital onboarding, reimbursements, and monitoring
Claims & Payments
Hospitals submit claims through a dedicated online portal. SHAs must approve, partially approve, or reject claims with reasons.
Oversight
A National Steering Committee, chaired by the MoRTH Secretary and NHA CEO, will ensure smooth rollout and periodic evaluation.
Why This Scheme is Important
Reduces Preventable Deaths: Many accident victims die due to delay in receiving emergency care.
Social Equity: Ensures cashless, barrier-free access to emergency care regardless of income or insurance status.
Public Health Reform: Creates an integrated system linking transport, health, and digital governance.
Compliance with SC Directive: Aligns with legal and constitutional obligations under Article 21 (Right to Life).
Relevance to GS-II / Essay / Ethics
GS Paper II – Governance & Social Justice:
Public service delivery, federal cooperation, and health policy implementation.
Ethics Paper:
Case studies on duty of care, equity in emergency services.
Essay:
“Access to emergency healthcare is a public good.”
“Saving lives on the road: Role of state in trauma care infrastructure.”
Summary
The Cashless Treatment Scheme for Road Accident Victims marks a major governance innovation focused on life-saving emergency care. By providing free treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh, mandating immediate hospital response, and setting up a multi-tiered oversight system, the scheme operationalizes the “golden hour” principle. It bridges gaps in healthcare access, strengthens inter-institutional coordination, and upholds the constitutional right to life in one of India’s most under-addressed public health areas.
Exam Connect – Possible Questions
Prelims
Under the 2025 Cashless Treatment Scheme, what is the maximum financial coverage provided to road accident victims? A. ₹1 lakh per family B. ₹1.5 lakh per person, per accident C. ₹5 lakh per household annually D. ₹1 lakh per accident regardless of victim count Answer: B
Which of the following is/are correct about the scheme’s implementation? 1.Only insured persons are eligible. 2.The State Health Agency processes hospital reimbursement claims. 3.Designated hospitals must treat victims without demanding advance payment. Select the correct option: A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3 Answer: B
Which two institutions co-chair the National Steering Committee for the scheme? A. NHA and AIIMS Director B. MoRTH Secretary and NHA CEO C. MoHFW Secretary and NITI Aayog CEO D. MoRTH Minister and Health Minister Answer: B
Mains
“Timely medical care within the golden hour can be the difference between life and death.” Critically examine the governance design of the Cashless Treatment Scheme for Road Accident Victims, 2025, in this context.
Despite numerous road safety campaigns, accident fatality rates in India remain high. Evaluate how schemes like the cashless treatment initiative can address systemic gaps in emergency health response.
Discuss the role of inter-sectoral coordination (transport, health, digital) in delivering real-time public services with reference to the road accident treatment scheme.
Access to emergency care is a constitutional right. Analyze this statement in light of the Supreme Court’s directive and the state’s obligations under Article 21.
3. Revised SHAKTI Policy – Enhancing Coal Allocation and Energy Efficiency – Economy
Why in News?
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved updates to the SHAKTI Policy (2024) to improve coal allocation and reduce import dependency.
The revision addresses operational inefficiencies and supports both government-owned and private power producers.
Aimed at increasing transparency, reducing power generation costs, and enhancing energy self-sufficiency.
What is SHAKTI?
Full Form: Scheme to Harness and Allocate Koyla Transparently in India.
Launched: 2017 by the Ministry of Power.
Replaced the earlier nomination-based coal allocation system.
Introduced auction-based allocation for private players via tariff-based competitive bidding.
Government plants still receive coal through the nomination route.
Key Features of the Revised SHAKTI Policy (2024)
Area
Details
Simplified Allocation
Eight earlier criteria merged into two key windows to reduce complexity.
Window-I
Allocation at notified coal prices to central/state power utilities and their subsidiaries (with PPAs under Section 62 of the Electricity Act, 2003).
Window-II
Premium-based coal auctions for independent producers, including imported coal-based (ICB) plants, even without PPAs.
Increased Flexibility
Existing Fuel Supply Agreement (FSA) holders can purchase above 100% of Annual Contracted Quantity (ACQ) during peak demand.
Pithead Plant Promotion
Encourages setup of thermal plants near coal mines to reduce transport costs.
Unrequisitioned Power Sales
Allows sale of unused power on power exchanges, improving plant utilization.
No Extra Burden on Coal Companies
Financial risk is not shifted to coal suppliers (e.g., Coal India, SCCL).
Objectives and Expected Benefits
Reduce coal imports by enabling more efficient domestic coal usage.
Improve power sector economics by offering long-term coal linkage.
Ensure coal availability for future capacity expansion.
Support energy transition by enabling ICB plants to operate on domestic fuel.
Enhance market-based power trading, especially during periods of excess generation.
Institutional Stakeholders
Stakeholder
Benefit/Role
Coal India, SCCL
Increased operational certainty and demand
Power Producers
Easier and longer-term coal access
Railways
Boost in coal transport volume
Consumers
Potential reduction in power tariffs due to lower generation costs
State Governments
Improved grid reliability and energy security
Broader Policy Relevance (GS Paper III)
Energy security and infrastructure: Reduces import bills and improves domestic coal logistics.
Ease of Doing Business: Encourages private sector participation through predictable coal supply.
Public policy design: Transparent, auction-based allocation reflects market-oriented reform.
Summary
The Revised SHAKTI Policy (2024) is a crucial reform aimed at streamlining coal allocation, ensuring fuel security, and supporting India’s growing power demands. By promoting auction-based linkages, easing access for ICB plants, and enabling market sale of surplus electricity, the policy reflects a shift toward flexibility, transparency, and efficiency in India’s coal-powered energy ecosystem. It plays a key role in reducing imports and supporting India’s energy transition and infrastructure goals.
Exam Connect – Possible Questions
Prelims
What does SHAKTI stand for in the context of India’s energy policy? A. Scheme to Harness Agricultural Knowledge for Technology and Innovation B. Scheme to Harness and Allocate Koyla Transparently in India C. Sustainable Harnessing and Allocation of Knowledge Through Innovation D. Scheme for Hydropower Allocation and Tariff Initiatives Answer: B
Which of the following statements about the Revised SHAKTI Policy (2024) is/are correct? 1.It allows sale of unrequisitioned electricity on power exchanges. 2.It imposes additional financial liability on coal companies. 3.Imported coal-based plants can access domestic coal under the scheme. Select the correct option: A. 1 and 2 only B. 1 and 3 only C. 2 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3 Answer: B
Under the revised SHAKTI policy, which of the following types of plants are prioritized under Window-I? A. Private sector plants with merchant power contracts B. Government-owned plants with PPAs under Section 62 C. Plants running on renewable energy D. Captive power units Answer: B
[UPSC 2023 Revisited] With reference to coal-based thermal power plants in India, consider the following statements:
None of them uses seawater.
None of them is set up in water-stressed districts.
None of them is privately owned.
How many of the above statements are correct? A. Only one B. Only two C. All three D. None Answer: A Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect (many coastal plants use seawater); 2 is incorrect (some are in water-stressed areas); 3 is incorrect (there are privately owned plants). None are fully true.
Mains
“The SHAKTI Policy reflects India’s transition from a supply-constrained to a market-oriented energy model.” Discuss in the context of the revised SHAKTI Policy and its role in strengthening power sector efficiency.
How does the revised SHAKTI Policy address the dual goals of energy security and economic competitiveness? Evaluate its potential impact on coal import reduction and power pricing.
Coal continues to dominate India’s power mix despite the rise of renewables. In this context, assess the role of transparent coal allocation mechanisms like SHAKTI in ensuring energy sustainability.
Explain how the revised SHAKTI policy enables the integration of private power producers and ICB plants into India’s energy framework. What safeguards ensure transparency and fairness in coal allocation?
4. Pakistan’s Complex Web of Terror Networks – Regional and Global Implications – InternationaI Relations
Why in News?
Pakistan’s persistent ties to terror networks are under scrutiny due to its long-standing presence on the FATF grey list and failure to fully eliminate terror financing.
Indian military operations like Operation Sindoor highlight growing regional tension and India’s counterterrorism strategy.
These developments raise concerns over global security, bilateral relations, and Pakistan’s role in international forums.
Historical Context: Evolution of Pakistan’s Terror Ecosystem
Soviet-Afghan War (1979)
Marked a turning point in Pakistan’s security doctrine.
The Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), with U.S. and Saudi backing, facilitated the creation of militant groups like:
Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)
Haqqani Network
Hizb-ul-Mujahideen
These groups were nurtured in training camps along the Afghan-Pakistan border.
Funding Channels for Terrorism in Pakistan
Source
Mechanism
Charities & Fronts
Terror-linked groups operate as NGOs or humanitarian agencies to collect donations.
Narcotics Trade
Drug smuggling, particularly from Afghanistan’s opium-rich areas, funds terrorist operations.
Zakat & Hawala Networks
Informal money transfer systems often used to evade state scrutiny.
Foreign Donations
Flow of funds from diaspora communities and sympathetic groups abroad.
FATF Grey Listing and Global Pressure
FATF (Financial Action Task Force) monitors terror financing and money laundering.
Grey List: Countries that fail to prevent terror financing but are under review.
Pakistan has been:
Repeatedly grey-listed (2008, 2012, 2018)
Saved from blacklisting due to geopolitical support from allies like China, Turkey, and Malaysia
FATF has demanded:
Crackdown on UN-designated terrorists
Legal action against LeT, JeM, and others
Surveillance of non-profit organizations
India’s Response: Counterterrorism Operations
Operation Sindoor
Precision airstrike targeting terror camps in Pakistan.
Echoes earlier operations like:
Surgical Strikes (2016)
Balakot Airstrikes (2019)
Aimed at:
Disrupting Pakistan’s use of proxy terror groups
Demonstrating military deterrence
Sending a geopolitical signal of India’s red lines
International and Regional Implications
Geopolitical Impact
Destabilizes South Asia’s security architecture.
Affects Pakistan’s economic recovery and global standing (e.g., IMF programs, trade relations).
Undermines international norms of state responsibility.
Challenges for Counterterrorism
Difficult to dismantle deep-state linkages (military-terror network).
Lack of global consensus on designating Pakistan as a state sponsor of terrorism.
Multilateral forums like FATF, UNGA, and SCO often experience diplomatic gridlock.
Summary
Pakistan’s terror infrastructure—rooted in Cold War geopolitics and sustained by covert financing—is a major impediment to regional stability. Despite international scrutiny and grey-listing by FATF, partial compliance and geopolitical shielding have enabled continuity of these networks. India’s assertive military responses (e.g., Operation Sindoor) mark a strategic shift from diplomacy to deterrence. Global efforts must coordinate more robustly to dismantle the nexus between state and non-state actors that perpetuate insecurity in South Asia.
Exam Connect – Possible Questions
Prelims
Which of the following is a function of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)? A. Monitoring nuclear proliferation B. Overseeing maritime disputes C. Regulating internet censorship laws D. Combating money laundering and terror financing Answer: D
Which of the following were outcomes of the Soviet-Afghan War in terms of South Asian security?
Emergence of jihadi networks in Pakistan
Strengthening of Pakistan’s ISI
Establishment of anti-terror laws in India Select the correct option: A. 1 and 2 only B. 1 and 3 only C. 2 and 3 only D. All of the above Answer: A
What is the primary reason Pakistan has avoided blacklisting by FATF despite repeated grey-listings? A. Domestic crackdown on all terror groups B. High GDP growth C. Strategic support from China and Turkey D. Membership in the UN Security Council Answer: C
Mains
“Pakistan’s use of terror as a strategic tool has compromised regional stability in South Asia.” Critically examine this statement with reference to FATF’s role and India’s counterterrorism responses.
Discuss the significance of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in global counter-terror financing architecture. Why has it failed to fully curb Pakistan’s terror financing networks?
Military operations like Operation Sindoor mark a shift in India’s strategic doctrine from strategic restraint to active deterrence. Analyze the pros and cons of such an approach in addressing cross-border terrorism.
Terrorism thrives in regions with weak state accountability and covert support. Evaluate the challenges of dismantling state-sponsored terror networks with reference to Pakistan and international law mechanisms.
5. The Road to Regulatory Reform – Reviving Indian Manufacturing – Economy
Why in News?
India’s economic growth remains service-sector dominant, while manufacturing continues to stagnate.
This has triggered a renewed focus on regulatory reform, especially in light of the 2025 Union Budget, which established a high-level committee to modernize regulatory frameworks and boost manufacturing competitiveness.
Current Economic Context
Sector
Contribution to GDP
Services
~55–60%
Manufacturing
~15–17%
Agriculture
~14–16%
India’s growth trajectory contrasts with many East Asian economies (e.g., China, South Korea), where manufacturing led the transformation.
Regulatory overhang, not lack of entrepreneurial talent, is cited as the key bottleneck.
Key Barriers to Manufacturing Growth
Challenge
Impact
Outdated Regulations
Frequent inspections, archaic standards, and manual approvals delay projects.
Compliance Overload
Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) face high costs in meeting complex requirements.
Fragmented Land Laws
Complex land acquisition processes hinder industrial expansion.
Rigid Labour Laws
Formal job creation is hampered; laws don’t account for gig and platform workers.
Low Bureaucratic Flexibility
Regulatory culture is often control-oriented, rather than facilitative.
Key Reform Measures (2025 and Beyond)
De-Regulation Initiative (Budget 2025)
Establishment of a high-level regulatory reform committee
Focus on:
Reducing inspections
Promoting self-certification in low-risk industries
Learning from Vietnam and Indonesia on light-touch regulations
Factor Market Reforms
Land:
Digital land records
Model land leasing laws
Simplified acquisition procedures
Labour:
Code on Wages, Social Security Code—yet to be fully implemented
Legal recognition of gig economy workers under social protection schemes
Transparency and Digitization
All approval requirements to be made publicly accessible online
Emphasis on single-window clearances and real-time grievance redressal
Mindset Shift in Bureaucracy
From “inspector raj” to “facilitator culture”
Training programs for officials to align with Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) goals
Broader Economic Significance
Goal
Expected Impact
Boost to Manufacturing
Increase in employment, value-added exports, and balanced growth
Make in India 2.0
Improved investor confidence and supply chain diversification
Viksit Bharat 2047
Manufacturing-led development aligned with middle-income transition
FDI Attraction
More predictable and transparent regulation makes India a viable alternative to China
Summary
India’s aspiration to become a developed economy by 2047 hinges on reviving the manufacturing sector, which currently lags due to a dense regulatory environment. The government’s move to simplify compliance, reduce inspection, and digitize approvals under the 2025 reform initiative is a pivotal step toward creating an entrepreneur-friendly ecosystem. Alongside land and labour reforms, a mindset shift in governance is essential to foster balanced, sustainable growth and job creation.
Exam Connect – Possible Questions
Prelims
Which of the following is a major reason cited for the stagnation of India’s manufacturing sector? A. Lack of foreign exchange reserves B. Regulatory overload and outdated compliance mechanisms C. Overinvestment in infrastructure D. Scarcity of skilled labour Answer: B
What is the purpose of the high-level committee on regulatory reform established in 2025? A. To formulate new trade tariffs B. To allocate subsidies for renewable energy C. To simplify business compliance and reduce regulatory burdens D. To privatize all public sector undertakings Answer: C
Which of the following is NOT a part of India’s proposed factor market reforms? A. Simplified land acquisition B. Social security for gig workers C. Mandatory trade licensing for all MSMEs D. Labour law modernization Answer: C
Mains
“India’s manufacturing sector cannot thrive without serious regulatory reform.” Discuss this statement with reference to the new initiatives taken under the 2025 Budget.
Despite a robust service sector, India’s manufacturing has not realized its full potential. Analyze the regulatory, structural, and cultural factors hindering manufacturing-led growth in India.
Ease of Doing Business must go beyond rankings and reflect lived experiences of entrepreneurs. Critically examine the importance of bureaucratic mindset reform in India’s regulatory ecosystem.
“Discuss the significance of factor market reforms—land and labour—in creating a manufacturing-led growth model for India’s long-term development goals.“
On the heels of a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam (April 22, 2025), India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK).
The operation involved all three wings of the armed forces—Army, Navy, and Air Force—marking a significant evolution in India’s counterterror posture.
It is the largest single-day military strike carried out by India against cross-border terrorism.
Objectives of Operation Sindoor
Dismantle terrorist launch pads and camps supporting cross-border infiltration and attacks.
Strike symbolic and strategic facilities linked to LeT, JeM, and HM, all proscribed terror outfits backed by Pakistan’s ISI and military.
Send a clear message of zero tolerance to terrorism without escalating into a full-scale war.
Key Operational Details
Aspect
Description
Date
April 2025
Locations Targeted
4 sites in Pakistan (Bahawalpur, Muridke, Sialkot, Sarjal); 5 in POK
Scale
24 precision missile strikes in a single day
Coordination
Tri-services operation – Army, Navy, and Air Force collaboration
POK-based – infiltration and rural mobilization in Kashmir
These groups operate from religious seminaries, government shelters, and ISI-supported facilities.
Wider Regional and Diplomatic Implications
Signals India’s increased risk appetite in counterterror strategy.
India is likely to:
Seek diplomatic support from Quad partners and the UN
Pressure FATF and global watchdogs to tighten scrutiny on Pakistan
Challenges Pakistan’s narrative of victimhood and deniability in international fora
Summary
Operation Sindoor represents a strategic evolution in India’s security policy—from restraint to assertive deterrence. With tri-service synergy, advanced weaponry, and calibrated messaging, the operation underscores India’s resolve to neutralize cross-border terror infrastructure without engaging in full-scale war. It not only redefines India’s red lines but also reshapes regional deterrence dynamics, especially in the shadow of Pakistan’s nuclear posturing.
Exam Connect – Possible Questions
Prelims
What is the primary aim of Operation Sindoor conducted by India in 2025? A. Targeting Pakistan’s nuclear installations B. Conducting humanitarian aid in POK C. Dismantling terror camps linked to cross-border attacks D. Capturing disputed territory in Siachen Answer: C
Which of the following groups were targeted during Operation Sindoor? 1.Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) 2.Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) 3.Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM)TalibanSelect the correct option: A. 1, 2, and 3 only B. 2 and 4 only C. 1 and 3 only D. All of the above Answer: A
Which of the following best describes India’s approach in Operation Sindoor? A. Full-scale retaliatory invasion B. Defensive patrolling along LoC C. Non-military, preemptive targeted strikes D. Diplomatic isolation of Pakistan at the UN Answer: C
Mains
“Operation Sindoor marks a paradigm shift in India’s counterterrorism doctrine.” Critically examine the strategic, technological, and geopolitical dimensions of this operation.
In the context of Operation Sindoor, evaluate the effectiveness of preemptive military strikes as a counterterror tool in South Asia’s nuclear environment.
Discuss how Operation Sindoor reflects India’s evolving national security posture and its implications for regional stability and diplomacy.
With reference to tri-service coordination in Operation Sindoor, assess the importance of joint command structures in modern warfare.
7. India’s Expanding Space Vision – From Empowerment to Interplanetary Exploration – Science and Technology
Why in News?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently announced that Indian astronauts are expected to land on the Moon by 2040, reflecting India’s accelerated ambitions in space exploration.
This vision includes missions to the Moon, Mars, and Venus, and the creation of an Indian Space Station.
India also emphasizes the dual role of space technology: scientific advancement and citizen empowerment.
India’s Space Journey: Key Achievements
Milestone
Details
1963
First rocket launch from Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station
2008 (Chandrayaan-1)
Discovered water molecules on the Moon
2014 (Mangalyaan)
India became the first Asian country to reach Mars orbit in its first attempt
2023 (Chandrayaan-3)
Achieved a soft landing near the lunar south pole, becoming only the fourth nation to do so
Gaganyaan Program
Human spaceflight program aiming to send Indian astronauts to Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
Future Roadmap
Timeline
Mission Objective
2025
Shubhanshu Shukla to participate in an ISRO–NASA astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS)
2035
Launch of Bharatiya Antariksha Station, India’s independent space research platform
2040
Manned Moon mission; preparations for Mars and Venus exploration
Space for Empowerment and Development
Applications for Citizens
Weather forecasting for agriculture and disaster management
Satellite navigation for transportation and logistics
Remote sensing for land and water resource management
Tele-education and telemedicine, improving rural access
Governance and Planning
Digital mapping, disaster response, and urban planning
Direct benefit schemes using Aadhaar-integrated satellite tracking
Private Sector and Startups in Space Economy
Over 250 space startups emerged post liberalization of the space sector
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) acts as a facilitator between ISRO and private players
Strategic Diplomacy and International Collaboration
Aspect
Initiatives
Global South Outreach
G20 Satellite Mission to share climate and agricultural data with developing nations
South Asia Satellite
Provides communication services to neighbors
ISRO-NASA Collaboration
Joint astronaut training, Mars missions, and Earth observation systems
Participation in Artemis Accords
India joined the U.S.-led initiative for sustainable lunar exploration
India’s Growing Global Role in Space
India is positioning itself as a low-cost launch provider through PSLV and SSLV programs
Emphasizing “Space for All” approach: democratizing access to space tech
Using space as a tool of science diplomacy and geopolitical soft power
Summary
India’s space vision has evolved from resource-constrained experimentation to strategic and interplanetary ambition. With missions targeting the Moon, Mars, and beyond, and the creation of a space station by 2035, India is poised to become a key space power. The integration of citizen services, private innovation, and diplomatic outreach makes India’s space program a unique model of scientific empowerment and global leadership.
Exam Connect – Possible Questions
Prelims
Which of the following missions made India the first Asian country to reach Mars orbit in its first attempt? A. Chandrayaan-2 B. Gaganyaan C. Mangalyaan D. Aditya-L1 Answer: C
What is the Bharatiya Antariksha Station expected to achieve? A. Act as a nuclear command center B. Provide direct telecommunication to rural villages C. Function as India’s independent orbital research platform D. Serve as a solar observatory in deep space Answer: C
Which of the following best explains the G20 Satellite Mission led by India? A. Joint lunar mission with all G20 countries B. Real-time missile tracking satellite C. Climate and agriculture data sharing for Global South nations D. Defence-oriented space surveillance system Answer: C
Which agency facilitates the involvement of private players in India’s space sector? A. DRDO B. ISRO C. IN-SPACe D. BARC Answer: C
Mains
“India’s space program has transitioned from a developmental tool to a platform for interplanetary ambition.” Critically examine this evolution in light of recent announcements and missions.
How is India’s space policy balancing technological advancement with strategic diplomacy? Evaluate with reference to initiatives like the G20 Satellite Mission and ISRO-NASA cooperation.
Discuss the role of the private sector and startups in shaping India’s future space economy. What challenges must be addressed to sustain this growth?
How can India leverage its space capabilities to achieve both national development and global influence? Examine the social, economic, and geopolitical dimensions of India’s space program.
