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OEWG on Space 2022
Home    >   OEWG on Space 2022   >  Statement by Mr. Anmol Sher Singh Bedi, Under Secretary(D&ISA), Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi at the Open-Ended Working Group on Reducing Space Threats, Geneva, September 16, 2022

Statement by Mr. Anmol Sher Singh Bedi, Under Secretary(D&ISA), Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi at the Open-Ended Working Group on Reducing Space Threats, Geneva, September 16, 2022

Thank you, Mr. Chair

At the outset, I wish to appreciate you,in particular, and your teamfor adeptly spearheading the discussions in this open ended working group. We also commend you for guidingdiscussions in an unbiased and neutral manner.

Quite like the 1stsession, the programme of work for the 2nd sessionwas comprehensive and it has been able to provide for a full discussion on various threats to space systems.

We believe that the panel discussions have enriched the understanding on technical as well as legal issues relating to space threats.

And it will perhaps guide states to design or consider a frameworkthat takes into account unique characteristics of outer space threats.

Mr. Chair

During the course of this session on various outer space threats, we have carefully noted and observed different strands of discussion. In this regard, there are some common issues, which we would like to reiterate to you and delegations present here for a fuller consideration.

1. We must develop uniform interpretations of existing terminologies in international law in outer spacesuch as those contained in the Outer Space Treaty

2. Overlapping of mandates and duplication of discussions in various fora could be avoided.

3. Voluntary rules, norms and TCBMs are useful starting point. Our preference, however, is for legally binding solution to outer space security because it ensures higher standard of compliance.

4. Selective focus on some space threats vis-à-vis other threats may impact the process of evolving a common consensus.

5. Interpretation of space behaviors and perception of threats should not suffer from subjectivity in terms of how they are understood and applied. We believe that any suggested norms must be basedonobjective criterion or methodology to avoid ambiguity in interpretations.

6. With regard to the assessment of responsibility or lack thereof in outer space conduct, we need to address fully as to ‘who’ and on ‘what basis’ will the assessments be made. In our understanding, common or collaborative tools for domain awareness in space can contribute to unbiased multilateral verification and build trust in this regard.

7. Any new suggested norms should also not hinder international cooperation efforts or create new obstacles for emerging space faring nations. Peaceful and legitimate use of outer space including science and technology development efforts should not be affected.

Mr. Chair

As we conveyed earlier, India’s focus is on the use of space for “welfare”, not for “warfare”. India is opposed to the weaponization of outer space and has not resorted to any arms race in outer space.

In addition, India is a responsible actor in space and adheres to implementation various measures such as the LTS guidelines for the long term sustainability of Outer Space Activities agreed at UN COPUOS, registration of space objects, pre-launch notifications, measures in line with UN Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines etc. We advocate enhanced implementation of these guidelines for augmenting outer space safety and through engagement in in the relevant fora.

In this context, India also has a growing private sector presence in the space industry and we value its perspective on these issues.

Mr. Chair

India’s views on this OEWG process are recorded in the Explanation of Vote to UNGA Resolutions 76/231.

Let me reiterate, that as in the past, India will support international endeavors providing for greater certainty and predictability in the outer space environment provided they take into account the issues discussed earlier.

We will contribute constructively to this process and look forward to the sessions next year.

Thank you.

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