India's Space Program: An Israeli Perspective on Regional Security

Abstract

This article outlines and analyzes the developments of the Indian space program, which is heading towards national security space systems, and does so from an Israeli perspective, focusing on the implications for the Asian region. The first section outlines the Israeli-Indian relationship, including the impetus for collaboration, and stresses the elements that cause India and Israel to see eye-to-eye in many issues of national security and world affairs. The second part discusses the Indian space program and aspirations from an Israeli perspective. The third and last part provides a few recommendations that we believe could allow greater for sustainability in the space environment, and stability in the international community in general and the Asian region in particular. We suggest a new non-proliferation treaty concerning space technology and activity that would officially form a “space club.” This act would create the norms and rules of behavior needed to ensure worldwide use of space for peaceful uses.