In a major space diplomacy push, India successfully launched the South Asia Satellite or GSAT-9 on Friday from Sriharikota. With an objective to strengthen cooperation in disaster communication and tele-communication among SAARC countries, the GSLV-F09 carried the GSAT-9 satellite.
GSAT-9 which has 12-year life span, will be shared with Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. Pakistan orbitted out of the proposal saying it has its “own space programme”.
India will make a foot print in the South Asian countries as at least one transponder connects to the participating countries. The satellite, which costs around Rs 235 crore will provide the participating nations with around Rs 10,000 crore ($1.5 billion) benefit. This launch is seen as India’s plan to counter China’s growing influence on its neighbours.
South Asia Satellite is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposal on June 30, 2014 to ISRO, asking them to develop a satellite that can be dedicated to our neighbourhood as a ‘gift’ from India.
Leaders of SAARC nations including Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani, Bangladesh PM Hasina, Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay, Maldives President Abdulla Yameen, Sri Lanka PM Prachanda, Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena joined the video conference with Modi to witness the launch.
