SAARC Satellite

Proposing satellite diplomacy with a view to playing a key role in the development of the region, Prime Minister NarendraModi called upon the Indian Space community to develop a SAARC satellite which can be dedicated as a “gift” to the neighbours. India is already sharing disaster management data with over 30 countries and provides benefits of tele-medicines to Afghanistan and African countries.

Prime Minister has also asked the Space Community to enlarge the footprint of India's satellite-based navigation system, to cover all of South Asia.

The concept of SAARC satellite is quite old and was first discussed at length by SAARC information ministers in Dhaka way back on 26 April, 1998.

However, the idea could never be implemented, largely because of the India-Pakistan tensions as the Kargil War broke out one year later

Modi has revived the good old concept of a SAARC satellite. This augurs well for the grouping which has since expanded to eight members with Afghanistan as the new member in this interregnum.

SAARC region has got a fairly long coastline (12,000 kms) and real time scientific data are the need of the hour for preventing natural disasters. For centuries, the region has been ravaged by three major natural disasters: earthquakes, landslides and drought. A SAARC satellite will go a long way in addressing these needs.