India-United States Conference on Space Science, Applications and Commerce

VISION STATEMENT

Noting that the Republic of India and the United States of America share a history of four decades of cooperation in civil space activities;

Recognising that the achievements in space of the United States and its sustained commitment to space exploration have advanced scientific understanding; stimulated public interest in space exploration, science, technology and applications; and demonstrated vividly that humankind can benefit from space;

Recognising that India’s space programme has evolved from its early steps of exploration to an important and advanced scientific, technological and business endeavor, oriented towards the developmental needs of the country and its sustainable economic growth, with significant potential for international cooperation;

Noting that the Joint Statement between the United States of America and the Republic of India of November 2001 expressed the commitment by the President of United States and the Prime Minister of India to broaden dialogue and cooperation in civil space activities and to discuss ways to stimulate high technology commerce between the two countries; and

Noting the statements by the President of the United States and the Prime Minister of India in January 2004 announcing the Next Steps in Strategic Partnership with India to expand cooperation in civilian nuclear activities, civilian space programs and high-technology trade, and to expand their dialogue on missile defense;

Welcoming the India-United States Conference on Space Science, Applications and Commerce –Strengthening and Expanding Cooperation as an opportunity to carry these initiatives forward;

Taking cognisance of the deliberations of the Conference, held in Bangalore on June 21-25, 2004;

The space communities of the United States and India, in the Closing Plenary of the Conference, hereby offer the following Vision for enhanced cooperation between the two countries to their governments, business enterprises and research institutions for their consideration and appropriate action:

1. Both the United States and India have tremendous capability and capacity in space science, technology and applications. Through scientific and technological cooperation and farsighted commercial endeavors, and in an appropriate policy and business environment, these assets can be leveraged to the benefit of both nations and contribute to sustainable global economic growth and scientific advancement.

2. Areas with strong potential for enhanced cooperation in civil space research and other activities between India and United States, as discussed in the Conference, include:

a. Earth Observation Science, Technology and related Applications – including natural resources management, water cycle, atmospheric
sciences, infrastructure, etc.

b. Satellite Communications Technology and Applications – including tele-medicine, tele-education, etc.

c. Satellite Navigation and Applications

d. Earth and Space Science – including Astronomy, Planetary Science and Solar Terrestrial science, etc.

e. Natural Hazards Research and Disaster Management Support

f. Education and Training in Space
Details of possible areas of cooperation are contained in the reports by the Symposia Co-Chairs.

3. In the commercial sector, aerospace enterprises from India and the United States can profitably explore promising opportunities for business development in the areas of Earth Observations, Satellite Communications and Satellite Navigation through possible collaborative business ventures serving national and global markets. These business opportunities are also outlined in the reports by the Symposia Co-Chairs.

4. Supportive policy and business environments in India and the United States will facilitate enhanced civil space cooperation and encourage active networking among government agencies, private enterprises, and academic and research institutions to the benefit of both nations and the world. Efforts by both governments to strengthen the bilateral relationship, address policy issues and facilitate commerce are welcome.

5. Efforts begun at this Conference should be continued. Cooperation and commerce between the two nations in the area of civil space could be facilitated through a high-level mechanism involving key representatives of government, business, academic and other non-governmental organisations from the United States and India. Under the leadership of the Ambassador of the United States to India and Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation, meetings at appropriate intervals could enable the mechanism to monitor and review progress on civil space collaboration between the two countries.

6. In addition, the contact points in key organisations and other forms of networking recommended by the Conference Symposia can usefully serve to address issues as they arise in order to ensure that the enhanced cooperation envisioned by this Conference will be realised.
Adopted on June 25, 2004 by the participants in the India-United States Conference on Space Science, Applications and Commerce – Strengthening and Expanding Cooperation

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