India’s Space Policy & Trade Strategy in Focus at Carnegie Global Tech Summit
India’s Space Policy Set to Accelerate Growth, Says Envoy Anupam Ray
India’s growing ambitions in the space sector received a major endorsement at the Carnegie Global Technology Summit 2025, as Ambassador Anupam Ray, Permanent Representative of India to the Conference on Disarmament, lauded the country’s evolving space policy. Speaking to ANI on the sidelines of the summit, Ray emphasized how the government's latest reforms will place India on a “much higher growth trajectory” by integrating private sector innovation and scientific excellence into the national space agenda.
According to Ray, India has already demonstrated substantial capabilities as a space-faring nation — from satellite fabrication and launch to managing complex applications and space situational awareness. These capabilities have made India one of the few countries from the Global South to achieve such status.
The government’s new space policy initiatives aim to:
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Leverage private sector capabilities and engineering talent
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Enhance the commercial viability of space technologies
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Ensure transparency and international compliance, including space debris mitigation
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Enable India to shape the regulatory framework of the emerging global space economy
Ray also highlighted India’s responsible approach to space diplomacy, emphasizing its leadership in maintaining space as a global commons — a domain that belongs to humanity, not just powerful nations. With a vibrant startup ecosystem and a government intent on building relevant regulations, India is poised to become a significant player in the rapidly expanding space economy.
Shruti Rajagopalan Welcomes US Tariff Pause, Urges India to Lower Protectionism
At the same summit, Shruti Rajagopalan, Senior Research Fellow, expressed support for the 90-day pause in US tariffs amid rising global trade tensions. However, she stressed the need for a systemic solution rather than short-term fixes.
She stated, “Cooler heads must prevail — a long-term global trade order based on reduced tariffs and negotiation is essential.” In her view, bilateral free trade agreements (FTAs) and a systematic reduction in Indian tariffs are vital for boosting India’s export competitiveness.
Rajagopalan’s key recommendations for Indian policymakers included:
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Reducing protectionism to align with global supply chains
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Establishing low, predictable tariffs to help businesses plan for the long term
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Building strong trading relationships through targeted FTAs
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Avoiding tariff inversion to encourage domestic manufacturing
She also emphasized that trade liberalization is critical if India wants to achieve its goals under “Make in India” and “Manufacture in India.” According to her, embracing open trade would ultimately benefit India’s economic interests, regardless of how other nations respond.
Conclusion: A Dual Strategy for India’s Ascent
Both sessions at the Carnegie Global Tech Summit made it clear — India’s strategic advantage lies in harmonizing domestic policy innovation with global engagement. Whether in space or trade, India's next phase of growth will depend on its ability to integrate into international systems while showcasing its unique capabilities.
From reshaping the regulatory future of outer space to fine-tuning its global trade game, India is positioning itself as a confident, competitive, and collaborative force on the world stage.
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