India will be space powerhouse in next 20-30 years: Former Australian PM Morrison

India is poised to become a leading "space powerhouse" within the next two to three decades, according to former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Speaking at the Indo-Mediterranean Dialogues, Morrison highlighted India's strategic advantages, including its geographical location, robust industrial base, and rapidly expanding technological expertise, as crucial elements for its burgeoning space economy.

“

I think India will be a space powerhouse over the next 20 to 30 years as its space economy matures.

Morrison emphasized that India's commitment to democracy and its strong institutions make it an attractive destination for international investment. As global companies increasingly re-evaluate their financial ties to China, Morrison believes India will be a primary beneficiary, effectively competing for that redirected capital. "Where will it go? India will be one of those countries making that pitch, and I think it can make a good one," he stated.

“

India takes its democracy and its institutions seriously and must, because it's a big part of your investment pitch as to why people would risk capital in India.

This outlook is bolstered by tangible cooperation between Australia and India. In July, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the deployment of temporary space tracking infrastructure on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. This initiative is specifically designed to support India's ambitious Gaganyaan Human Space Flight Programme, marking a significant step in bilateral space collaboration.

“

We've seen capital withdrawn out of China. Where will it go? India will be one of those countries making that pitch, and I think it can make a good one.

The agreement was revealed during a joint press interaction with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, underscoring the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations. PM Albanese highlighted the growing technological alignment between Canberra and New Delhi, stating, "As we expand our cooperation in space and technology, we have agreed to commission a temporary space tracking terminal on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, which will support India's landmark Gaganyaan Human Space Flight Programme."

“

As we expand our cooperation in space and technology, we have agreed to commission a temporary space tracking terminal on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, which will support India's landmark Gaganyaan Human Space Flight Programme.