During the United Nations General Assembly, India reiterated its commitment to a legally binding treaty aimed at preventing the militarization of outer space, emphasizing the need for international cooperation over conflict.
United Nations – On October 20, 2026, at the First Committee of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Indian Member of Parliament Sudha Murthy delivered a compelling address underscoring the need to preserve outer space as a realm of international cooperation, rather than a battleground for military conflict. Murthy articulated India’s position with clarity, stating, “India believes that outer space belongs to all of us. We are one earth, one family with one future. It is our view that our outer space should remain relevant for cooperation, not conflict.”
Championing a Legally Binding Treaty
Murthy’s address highlighted the evolving geopolitical and technological landscape that has prompted the emergence of new space actors and the proliferation of dual-use technologies, which can serve both civilian and military purposes. She acknowledged that while there are varying international approaches aimed at preventing an arms race in outer space (PAROS), voluntary measures alone are insufficient in addressing the complexities of contemporary space security challenges.
Specifically, Murthy referred to the draft Treaty on the Prevention of the Placement of Weapons in Outer Space (PPWT), a legally binding instrument designed to prevent the deployment of weapons in outer space. She stated, “India reiterates its preferences for a legally binding instrument on one that is universally acceptable, where verifiable and multilaterally negotiated at the Conference on Disarmament.” This draft treaty, initially proposed by China and Russia, has gained traction among several countries, particularly those within the BRICS grouping, including India, which view a formal treaty as essential to averting the militarization of space.
Despite the consistent advocacy for the PPWT during UNGA sessions and discussions at the Conference on Disarmament, the treaty has encountered significant hurdles due to strong opposition from the United States and several of its allies. These nations contend that the PPWT lacks sufficient verification mechanisms, does not adequately address ground-based anti-satellite (ASAT) systems that can disable satellites from Earth, and fails to consider terrestrial counter-space capabilities. This opposition has contributed to a prolonged diplomatic stalemate and hindered progress towards a comprehensive agreement.
Comprehensive Security and Avoiding Fragmentation
In her address, Murthy further warned against a fragmented approach to space governance, urging a holistic assessment of threats to safety, security, and sustainability in space. She emphasized that a selective focus on specific threats could be counterproductive, noting the inherent challenges in verifying behaviors in outer space and managing access to vital data. “A selective focus on some threats over others would be counterproductive,” she cautioned, urging the international community to adhere to existing institutional mandates to avoid policy overlaps and the emergence of competing regulatory standards.
Safeguarding Scientific Progress
Highlighting the significance of international regulatory frameworks, Murthy stressed that such frameworks must facilitate rather than hinder the exchange of scientific and technological research for peaceful purposes. “Regulatory outcomes must not discourage the exchange of scientific and technological research for peaceful, legitimate purposes,” she emphasized, reinforcing India’s commitment to fostering an environment conducive to scientific advancement while ensuring that space remains a domain for peaceful cooperation.
Conclusion and Commitment to Global Governance
Concluding her remarks, Murthy reaffirmed India’s proactive stance on global space governance, expressing India’s readiness to support the strengthening of the international legal framework governing outer space. “India stands ready to help strengthen the international legal framework governing outer space and to ensure its peaceful use while enhancing safety, security and sustainability,” she asserted. This commitment reflects India’s broader strategy to position itself as a leading voice in international discussions concerning space security, emphasizing cooperation over conflict in a rapidly evolving domain.
The implications of India’s position on space governance are significant, as the country seeks to assert itself as a responsible power in the international arena. By advocating for a legally binding treaty, India is not only aiming to protect its own interests but also to foster a collaborative environment that prioritizes peace and stability in outer space. As the global community grapples with the challenges of space militarization, India’s proactive stance may influence the trajectory of future negotiations and the establishment of a comprehensive regulatory framework that ensures the peaceful use of outer space for all nations.
