By hoisting the South Asia Satellite (SAS), a communication
satellite for free use of all SAARC nations minus Pakistan, Modi government
added a new chapter to the Annals of Indian Foreign Policy. The mission which
was diligently executed by ISRO with text book precision gave a fresh impetus
to South Asia regional cooperation which miserably falls short of its potential
in all avenues. The benevolent initiative, announced by Prime Minister Narendra
Modi at the November 2014, SAARC summit at Kathmandu has rekindled a new spirit
wherein Indian intent was impeccably back by affirmative action. While geostrategic
objective deeply nurtured the idea, the “Invaluable gift”, as described by BBC
would be of immense help to India’s south Asian neighbors who have been worst
victims of natural disasters. The satellite with its immense scientific
benefits would certainly add a new depth and dimension to Indian
Diplomacy. India had for various reasons
is dubbed as poor deliverer the successful launch of SAS which will be
operational within two weeks will augur well Modi’s new doctrine of
Neighborhood First Policy.
Rightly recalled as “historic moment” for Indian diplomacy,
the SAS, initially named as SAARC satellite, got the present name after
Pakistan pulled out from this collective development oriented venture. The
launch besides, befittingly positing India as an emerging power in space
research projects reiterates that Indian rise unlike the Middle Kingdom is genuinely
benign. Scientifically, the project offers numerous benefits like disaster
management support, broadcast of meteorological data and strengthening the
networking of academic, scientific and research institutions. SAS or GSAT-09,
weighing 2230 kg was successfully inserted into the geosynchronous orbit by the
GSLV F09 on its eleventh flight and consecutive fourth flight fitted with the
indigenous cryogenic upper stage (CUS) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre,
Sriharikota on Friday. Over decades India established its credentials as a
proven leader in launching satellites weighing less than 2000 kg meticulously
into orbits with work-horse PSLV(Polar Satellite Launch Vehicles) but had
hiccups in developing Geosynchronous Launch Vehicles (GSLV) capable of
inserting heavier satellites over 2000kg into geosynchronous orbits. Navigation
and communication satellites are typically very heavy and India had been
employing foreign vehicles for launching its own satellites. But having broken
this jinx with GSLV by clocking three consecutive successful launches and
rigorously tamed the famed “naughty boy” (scientific community fondly refers to
GSLV) India promised to build and hoist a communication satellite for exclusive
use South Asian neighbors. Accordingly, GSAT-09 was designed with 12 ku
transponders catering to the needs to the South Asian region with a mission
life of 12 years. Each country is entitled to use one transponder.
Arguments are now rife among the intellectual circles that
India can’t override the penetrating Chinese ingression into the South Asian
region, since Beijing launched communication satellite for Pakistan and Sri
Lanka in 2011 and 2012 respectively. China is also expected to launch
communication satellites for both these countries by 2018. Now it is believed
that China has offered Afghanistan to develop a satellite, Afghansat-2 when
Afghan officials approached Beijing for help in laying a 4800-km optic fiber
for internet connectivity. The veracity of these developments is reflected in
Kabul’s hesitation to sign a MoU in space cooperation with India. On the
contrary, India in collaboration with European Aeronautic Defense and Space
Company (EADS) built first satellite for Afghansat-1 in 2008. Mission life of
Afghansat-1 is all set to expire around 2020 and hence Kabul grabbed Chinese
offer. Bangladesh is all set to have first communication satellite
Bangabhandu-1 jointly developed by Italy and France which will be piggy backed
by Falcon 9 rocket of Space X later this year. It is now believed that
Bangladesh might prefer China over India since Beijing is an established
player.
Interestingly, India made forays into space research a year
after Pakistan set up its space research Centre, Space and Upper Atmosphere
Research Communication (SUPARCO) in 1961 with the help of US. But it could
launch indigenously built satellite Badr-1 in 1986. Space research in Pakistan
picked up new pace following China’s cooperation since 2011. Intricacies of
Sino-Pakistan axis is well known in this region and the nexus is here to stay for
long. By and large, Chinese influence is going to prevail in the Asian
Subcontinent. China is infusing new energy into its relations with South Asian
countries like Nepal, Maldives and Bhutan. But this shouldn’t dither India’s
attempts to revitalize its relations with SAARC nations. While India cannot
match the levels of Chinese investments, India can certainly make up for the
blunders and ignominious impassivity of previous regimes by offering help to
countries like Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives in setting up necessary
infrastructure for space research.
It is unfortunate that the decade long UPA regime, during
which China derisively pervaded into South Asian region failed to rev up
cooperation with SAARC countries. With this priceless gift of SAS, Modi government
has made a sincere attempt to salvage engagements with South Asian countries.
The unprecedented move of gifting communication satellite to neighbors will
truly be reckoned with utmost reverence. The entire cost of building and
launching the satellite which accounts for Rs 450 crores is borne by India. BBC
in a report estimated that all neighbors would accrue services worth
$1.5billion for a period of 12 years. No doubt, China will have an upper hand
for beginning early but India’s satellite will early richer dividends in terms
of soft diplomacy. Also, Modi’s masterstroke of interacting with heads of
states of all countries immediately after the launch through video conferencing
reiterated India’s commitment and faith in regional cooperation. Besides, effectively
isolating Pakistan, a formidable stumbling block which opposed even regional
connectivity networking, SAS infused a new vitality in this regional grouping.
Addressing leaders of neighboring countries, Modi said, “this launch tells us
that even sky is not the limit when it comes to regional cooperation. The
satellite opens up new horizons of engagement and will greatly benefit South
Asia and our region’s progress”. All the leaders, in turn, thanked Modi and
hailed his initiative. With Chinese threat looming in our backyard, the
significance of this benevolent gift can’t be undermined.
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