Russia, India in Talks to Determine Scope of Already-Robust Space Cooperation
On August 28, 2019, it was reported that India and Russia are in talks to determine their scope of cooperation on space technology. Russia has offered semi-cryogenic rocket engine and human space capsule technology to India. The two countries are also exploring establishing ground stations in each others’ countries to facilitate satellite navigation. The talks build upon a strong foundation of bilateral interaction in the space sector.
On December 8, 2018, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and GLONASS agreed to establish as many as three ground stations in India.
On July 1, 2019, ISRO signed an agreement for support on the selection, medical examination, and space training of Indian astronauts, with training taking place at the Russian Cosmonaut Training Center. Contact on these issues between the two entities dates back to 2015, when they agreed to increase cooperation on satellite navigation, launch vehicle development, critical technologies for human spaceflight, remote sensing, space science and exploration, and usage of ground infrastructure.
On July 12, Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met with Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Rogozin to discuss cooperation in futuristic technologies, including new space systems, rocket engines, propellants and propulsion systems, and spacecraft and launch vehicle technology.