Focus on strategic implications of India's lunar ambitions

If China establishes a lunar base before India does, a space war between the two countries could occur as early as 2030. China could use advanced jamming and targeting techniques to thwart India’s space missions and vehicles.

- WG CDR S. SUDHAKARAN (RETD)

India has long been a spacefaring nation, and its lunar ambitions are no exception. The country has successfully launched several lunar missions and plans to send a human mission to the moon shortly. India’s lunar ambitions have several strategic implications. First, they can help India assert its regional dominance and deter potential adversaries. Second, they can be used to develop new technologies that can be used for military purposes. Third, they can help India boost its economy and create jobs.

Some of the benefits of an ambitious lunar program are:

Technology leadership: India’s success in lunar exploration would demonstrate its technological capabilities and its ability to compete with other spacefaring nations. This could give India a significant advantage in terms of technology leadership, which could be used to develop new products and services, improve its economy, and deter potential adversaries.

Economic benefits: Space exploration can also positively impact the economy. It can be used to develop new industries, such as space tourism and asteroid mining.

Scientific discoveries: Lunar exploration can also lead to scientific discoveries. It can help us learn more about the moon and other celestial bodies. This knowledge can be used to develop new technologies and to improve our understanding of the universe.

Cooperation and competition: India’s lunar ambitions could also lead to cooperation and competition with other countries. India has already expressed interest in working with other countries on lunar exploration projects. However, it is also competing with other countries for dominance in space. This competition could lead to tensions between countries.