Madame Chairperson,

Let me begin by wishing you, and through you all of us in this Committee, a Happy Diwali; let me also convey the good wishes of all Indians for this festival which celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and the victory of good over evil.

Madame Chairperson,

1. India is a space-faring nation. Our space programme has development and security dimensions. India landed a spacecraft on the moon last year; is preparing for our human space flight program – Gaganyaan; and intends to build a space station, the Bharatiya Antariksha Station

2. India believes that Outer Space belongs to all of us. We are one earth, one family, and have one future.

Madame Chairperson,

3. A difference of opinion has existed and continues to exist on approaches to Preventing Arms Race in Outer Space; and on the question of whether a particular approach or the other should have priority.

4. India participated in the GGE on further practical measures on prevention of an arms race in outer space, held in 2018-2019; India was represented and contributed actively in the GGE on further practical measures on PAROS, created pursuant to resolution 77/250, which successfully adopted a report earlier this year.

5. India also participated constructively in the work of the OEWG on reducing space threats through norms, rules, and principles of responsible behavior established pursuant to UNGA Resolution 76/231

Madame Chairperson,

6. India would like to reiterate our preference for a legally binding instrument on Preventing Arms Race in Outer Space - which is universally acceptable, verifiable, and multilaterally negotiated in the Conference on Disarmament.

7. We take note of the draft Treaty on the Prevention of the Placement of Weapons in Outer Space proposed by China and Russia, which could be a basis for further discussions.

8. India is open to the development of universal and non-discriminatory non-binding norms and transparency and confidence building measures, as they can be complementary to a legally binding instrument.

9. India recognizes that the OEWG on reducing space threats through responsible behaviors has done important work. It is however very much work in progress.

10. India believes that threats to safety, security and sustainability of outer space; considerations relating to misunderstanding, miscalculation and misperceptions; as well as thresholds for what may constitute a use of force in Outer Space; must be considered comprehensively

11. A selective focus on certain space threats over others will be counter-productive.

12. We have concerns about the subjectivity involved in the determination of what constitutes a behavior, and its further classification into responsible and irresponsible. We are concerned about who makes these assessments; about how these assessments are made; and about the manner of application of such determinations.

13. India recognizes that verification of space behavior, including access to relevant information and data, poses challenges.

Madame Chairperson,

14. India, as a developing country, believes that the outcome of any space security related process should not discourage the exchange of scientific and technological research and development for peaceful and legitimate purposes.

15. India stands ready to contribute to global efforts to strengthen the international legal framework, and to ensure peaceful uses of Outer Space while enhancing safety, security and sustainability.

Thank you