In what augurs well for India’s security capabilities, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has reportedly approved Phase III of the Space-Based Surveillance (SBS) mission. This decision will pave the way for the launch of 52 surveillance satellites in low earth and geostationary orbits.
The Modi government’s move will likely give adversaries such as China and Pakistan sleepless nights, as the two neighbours, among others, will be continuously monitored once the surveillance capabilities are fully operational.
Sources familiar with the development said that with this ramped-up capability, India can detect enemy submarines operating in the Indo-Pacific region. In addition, India will improve and upgrade its ability to monitor and closely watch any illegal infrastructure development by China near the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
The government’s decision to majorly boost India’s space-based surveillance capabilities comes at a very significant time. This has come amid growing tensions and shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region. As China continues to be overassertive in expanding its footprints and presence in the area, the decision to bolster India’s security measures, such as deploying surveillance satellites to monitor and respond to Beijing’s actions effectively, is a timely action.
In response to China’s aggressiveness in the region, the Modi government is implementing effective measures to safeguard the country’s maritime and other security regional interests. It will also ensure that potential threats from hostile submarines are quickly detected and dealt with. Beyond maritime security, experts indicate that these satellites will also monitor infrastructure development by adversaries along India’s land borders.
The move includes monitoring along the disputed Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, where the construction of new roads, airstrips, and military outposts has raised major concerns over the past several years. In addition, increased surveillance along the Pakistan border will enable India to monitor new defence-related infrastructure projects that could pose risks to national security.
Sources say that India will be able to share the information and key inputs gathered from these satellites about illegal Chinese expansionist activities with other countries as well.
The surveillance satellite project, which aims to improve land and maritime domain awareness for both civilian and military purposes, is being managed by the National Security Council Secretariat in collaboration with the Defence Space Agency under the Defence Ministry’s integrated headquarters. The project, with a budget of Rs 26,968 crore, entails constructing and launching 21 satellites by ISRO, while private companies will develop the remaining 31.
-IANS
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