India is on the verge of becoming self-reliant in strategic application data, particularly in satellite navigation. This development is largely driven by the Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) system, a satellite navigation system developed by ISRO, which serves as an alternative to the Global Positioning System (GPS). Speaking at the GeoSmart India 2024 conference in Hyderabad, Mr. Pawan Goenka, the Chairperson of In-SPACe, emphasized the growing importance of India’s indigenous navigation systems to ensure the country’s independence in key sectors such as defence, civilian, and industrial applications.

NavIC and Self-Reliance in Navigation

NavIC, developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is set to provide India with a robust and independent satellite navigation system. Unlike the GPS system, which is primarily operated by the United States, NavIC is designed to meet the needs of India and the surrounding regions, providing precise location and time data for various sectors. The system covers not only India but also a 1,500 km surrounding region, ensuring accurate and reliable navigation data for multiple applications.

Mr. Goenka stressed the strategic importance of NavIC in reducing India’s dependency on foreign navigation systems. While NavIC will coexist with other global systems such as GPS, it ensures that India has the capability to meet its own navigation needs, particularly in sectors where reliance on foreign technologies could pose risks, especially in times of geopolitical tensions or potential supply chain disruptions.

Boosting Indigenous Satellite Communication

In addition to navigation, India is increasingly turning to indigenous communication satellites to meet its growing demands. The commercial arm of ISRO, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), has been playing a pivotal role in facilitating this transition. Mr. Goenka highlighted that while India has made substantial progress in the development of communication satellites, there remains a need for a steady supply of these satellites to further reduce the country's dependence on foreign systems. The increasing reliance on indigenous satellite technology not only ensures self-sufficiency but also contributes to the country’s ability to provide secure and independent communication for both civilian and defence needs.

Geospatial Data and Strategic Technologies

Another important aspect of India’s move toward self-reliance is its focus on geospatial data, an area crucial for sectors like civil aviation, mapping, and infrastructure development. The Geospatial Data Promotion and Development Committee (GDPDC), under the leadership of Mr. Srikant Sastri, is actively working on promoting India’s dominance in critical technologies related to geospatial data. As part of its strategy, the committee plans to launch centres of excellence in FY24 to drive progress in six identified priority sectors. These sectors are expected to play a significant role in advancing India’s technological capabilities in the geospatial and mapping industries, which are vital for national security, defence, and civil infrastructure.

Key Developments in FY24

As part of the broader push for self-reliance in strategic technologies, the government and agencies like GDPDC are focusing on strengthening the country’s capabilities in areas like civil aviation, mapping, and defence technologies. The launch of centres of excellence in FY24 is seen as a significant step toward establishing India as a leader in these critical sectors. These centres will not only foster innovation and research but also provide the necessary infrastructure for India to meet its growing demands in geospatial technologies and mapping.

Conclusion

India’s strides toward self-reliance in strategic application data are significant and reflect the country’s growing confidence in its ability to provide solutions in key sectors such as navigation and satellite communication. With systems like NavIC and indigenous communication satellites, India is reducing its dependency on foreign technologies, thereby increasing its strategic autonomy. Furthermore, initiatives like the centres of excellence being launched by GDPDC are set to enhance India’s capabilities in critical technologies such as geospatial data and mapping. These efforts will position India as a leader in the global tech landscape, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of innovation and technological development.

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