The inaugural session of the PRISM (Perspectives of Regulatory Issues in Strategic Markets) 2024 Webinar Series – “US-India Export Control Dialogue” successfully concluded, focusing on the complexities of export controls and their implications for U.S.-India collaboration in critical sectors like space systems and dual-use technologies. The series is jointly organized by SIA-India and IndUS Tech Council. The webinar explored pivotal topics, including ITAR, SCOMET, and EAR regulations, while emphasizing the importance of innovation and co-production.

The first webinar 1.0 comes at a crucial time ahead of critical reforms like ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations), MTCR (Missile Technology Control Regime) liberalisation. Following recent amendments by the U.S. Department of Commerce aimed at easing restrictions on space-related items, which reclassifies many space-related products, including commercial satellites, from the U.S. Munitions List to the Commerce Control List, opens up new opportunities for U.S.-India cooperation in space. The session underscored the importance of clear regulatory frameworks and strong compliance measures.

We will be releasing a comprehensive report on the deliberations of the webinar shortly. Stay tuned for further updates as we are excited to announce that our upcoming webinars from the PRISM series will focus on other key strategic markets, including Australia and Japan. These sessions will culminate in a multi-national focused event India Space Congress scheduled from 25th – 27th June 2025 at Hotel Le Meridien, New Delhi (www.indiaspacecongress.com). 

The Karnataka government has introduced its Draft Space Technology Policy 2024-2029, aiming to capture 50% of India's space market and strengthen its national and global presence. Key initiatives include skill development programs to prepare professionals for space industry careers, investment incentives to attract both domestic and foreign investments, and the creation of dedicated manufacturing parks and testing centers to support space companies. The policy also focuses on fostering research, intellectual property, and marketing for startups and MSMEs, while promoting the adoption of space technologies in governance and industry. These efforts are set to position Karnataka as a leading global hub for space technology.

India’s most advanced communication satellite, GSAT-20 (GSAT-N2), was successfully placed into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) by SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. This milestone marks a significant leap in satellite connectivity capabilities, aligning with initiatives like BharatNet, which aims to connect 6,55,968 villages across the country. Weighing 4,700 kg, GSAT-20 features a high-throughput Ka-band payload, capable of delivering a remarkable 48 Gbps data transmission capacity. The satellite is poised to revolutionize broadband services in India, especially in remote and underserved areas, while also enabling in-flight internet connectivity. As India continues to bridge its digital divide, GSAT-20 represents a crucial step in transforming connectivity for millions across the nation

SIA-India, as a Knowledge Partner at the upcoming Indo-Pacific Space and Earth Conference and Exhibition (IPESEC), is set to lead the India Pavilion, highlighting the advancements and innovations of the Indian space sector.

SIA-India leadership, including President Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri, Director General Mr. Anil Prakash, Board Member Mr. D.S. Govindrajan, and Deputy Director General Mr. Rajeev Gambhir, will spearhead this initiative. Key highlights include:

SIA-India looks forward to driving the future of space exploration and fostering international partnerships at IPESEC 2024.

SIA India forges collaboration as the knowledge supporter for the 2nd Annual Space Economy Summit 2024, organized by Economist Impact. This partnership will combine intellectual rigor, media brand creativity, and global influence to catalyse growth for international stakeholders in maximising the potential of Global Space Sector.

SIA-India facilitated a high-level visit and business discussion in Bangalore between an Austrian delegation and Ananth Technologies, focusing on emerging trends, technology, and innovation in the space sector. The delegation included Ms. Carmen Goby, Vice-President of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, Mr. Manfred Pletzer, Vice-President of the Tyrolean Federal Economic Chamber, and Mr. Hans-Jörg Hörtnagl, Austrian Trade Commissioner and Commercial Counsellor, accompanied by Mr. Ajay Singh, Senior Advisor to the Commercial Counsellor.

On November 14, 2024, SIA-India’s Director General, Mr. Anil Prakash, participated in a panel discussion on "Artificial Intelligence Governance and Regulations, Frameworks, and Policies" at the International Conference on Cyberlaw, Cybercrime, and Cybersecurity. Addressing the transformative potential of AI in India’s space industry, Mr. Prakash emphasized its role in revolutionizing data-driven operations and expanding the Earth data economy. However, he also highlighted the challenges of crafting laws for AI in space, which must balance innovation with critical concerns like cybersecurity and privacy.

SIA-India recently represented the Indian space industry at a Roundtable meeting with Ms. Thea D. Rozman Kendler, Assistant Secretary for Export Administration, Bureau of Industry and Security, U.S. Department of Commerce. The event was organized by the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce, India. During the discussions, SIA-India Director General Mr. Anil Prakash emphasized the importance of examining US and Indian export control laws, particularly concerning dual-use technology regulations for companies in both nations. He stressed the need for a clearer framework to navigate these regulatory challenges. Additionally, Lt Gen PJS Pannu, Sr. Advisor and Chairman of SIA-India's Defence Sub-committee, highlighted India’s pressing need for indigenization of technology and the critical role of technology transfers in strengthening the country’s defense and space sectors.

SIA-India Director General, Mr. Anil Prakash and Deputy Director General Mr. Rajeev Gambhir, met with Ms. Signe Brudeset, Director General of the Department of Regional Affairs at the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at the Norwegian Embassy in New Delhi. The Discussions centered on fostering India-Norway collaboration in the space sector, highlighting opportunities for joint initiatives and partnerships.

SIA-India welcomed Mr. Reuven Azar, Ambassador of Israel to India. Our Director General Mr. Anil Prakash and Dy. Director General Mr. Rajeev Gambhir apprised him about two upcoming flagship events: the DefSAT Conference & Expo (8th–10th January 2025) and the India Space Congress (25th–27th June 2025).

SIA-India's active participation at the APSCC Satellite Conference and Exhibition showcased its commitment to global collaboration in the satellite and space sectors. During the event, Mr. Anil Prakash, Director General of SIA-India, held a productive discussion with Mr. Mario Maniewicz, Director of the International Telecommunication Union's (ITU) Radiocommunication Bureau. Their dialogue focused on advancing satellite communications and fostering international cooperation in radiocommunication policies. SIA-India continues to strengthen its global partnerships, contributing to the growth and innovation of the satellite communication industry.

Mr. Anil Prakash, Director General of SIA-India, recently attended the 25th Meeting of the South Asian Telecommunication Regulators’ Council (SATRC-25) held in New Delhi. The event was inaugurated by the Telecom Minister and brought together key stakeholders to address pressing issues in telecommunications and ICT. SATRC-25 serves as an annual platform for regulators from member nations to collaborate on shared challenges and opportunities in the telecom sector. SIA-India’s participation underscores its commitment to fostering regional partnerships and supporting the development of robust regulatory frameworks in South Asia.

SIA-India's team, including Mr. Anil Prakash (Director General), Mr. Rajeev Gambhir (Deputy DG), and Mr. Anbalagan K (Deputy Director), recently met with Dr. Lung-Jieh Yang, Counsellor and Director of the Science and Technology Division at the Taipei Economic & Cultural Center in India. The meeting aimed to enhance collaboration between the Indian and Taiwanese space industries. Building on its existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) and the Taiwan Space Industry Development Association (TSIDA), SIA-India continues to drive efforts to foster partnerships and innovation in the global space ecosystem.

SIA-India is delighted to announce Solar Industries India Limited as its newest Corporate Member. With a legacy of excellence in space technology applications, Solar Industries has made remarkable contributions to India’s space and defense sectors, including:

Through a diverse team and collaborative partnerships, Solar Industries continues to drive innovation, reinforcing its role in strengthening India’s space capabilities. SIA-India warmly welcomes them to the community.

SIA-India congratulates its member, GalaxEye Space, as they continues to push the boundaries of space innovation. GalaxEye is set to showcase its cutting-edge technology with the Mission Patch tech demo aboard ISRO's PSLV POEM module. This demonstration will highlight their expertise in multi-sensor (SAR + MSI) payloads, marking a significant milestone in their journey toward revolutionizing Earth observation.

In addition, GalaxEye has successfully closed its Series A funding round, raising $10 million. This investment, supported by strategic partners such as Mela Ventures, Infosys, MountTech Growth Fund - Kavachh, and others, will accelerate the development of their world-first multi-sensor imaging satellite for advanced Earth observation solutions.

We congratulate our esteemed members—Taramandal, Logic Fruit Technologies, and OrbitAID Aerospace—for being recognized among the prestigious Global 200 Companies by Forbes India and D Globalist at the Forbes India D Globalist Entrepreneur Mobility Summit (DGEMS). These innovative companies were selected from over 30,000 contenders across 45+ countries for their groundbreaking contributions:

This recognition highlights the global impact of India’s space industry and its trailblazing contributions to the future of technology and sustainability.

Mr Anil Prakash
Director General, SIA-India

New Delhi, Nov 19 (PTI) Satcom Industry Association-India (SIA-India) and IndUS Tech Council have launched a partnership to unravel the regulatory challenges in emerging technologies such as AI, space systems, and dual use innovations.

Satcom Industry Association-India (SIA-India) and IndUS Tech Council have launched a partnership to unravel the regulatory challenges in emerging technologies such as AI, space systems, and dual use innovations.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Thursday said it has signed an Implementation Agreement (IA) with Australian Space Agency (ASA) for further strengthening of cooperation in space activities between the two countries. The IA enables cooperation between both space agencies on crew and crew module recovery for Gaganyaan missions, the country's first crewed spaceflight program, it said.

India's national space agency, Isro, is working to make India’s own regional navigation system (NaVIC) easily accessible to civilians soon, as the accurate positioning system was till now confined to strategic use, reported ToI quoting Pawan Goenka, chairman of space regulator and promoter INSPACe.

India will launch the European Space Agency's Proba-3 mission early next month from the spaceport at Sriharikota, Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh said here on Tuesday. Singh said the two satellites that are part of the Proba-3 mission to study the Sun were brought to Sriharikota on Tuesday morning for integration with ISRO's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).