Cabinet nod to India-Mongolia agreement on space cooperation

New Delhi, Jan 8 (IANS) The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday gave its approval for an agreement between India and Mongolia on cooperation in the exploration and uses of outer space for peaceful and civilian purposes.

The agreement, which was signed at New Delhi on September 20, 2019 during the state visit of the President of Mongolia to India, will enable pursuing potential interest areas of cooperation such as, space science and technology, a Cabinet statement said.

It would also enable in pursuing applications including remote sensing of the earth, satellite communication and satellite based navigation, space science and planetary exploration, use of spacecraft and space systems and ground system, and application of space technology.

The Agreement would lead to setting up a Joint Working Group, drawing members from the Department of Space (DOS) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Communications and Information Technology Authority of Mongolia, to further work out the plan of action including the time-frame and the means of implementing this pact.

The financial arrangements to cover expenses for the co-operative activities undertaken within the framework of this agreement will be jointly decided by the respective participants on a case-by-case basis subject to the availability of funds.

Cooperation between the two countries through this agreement would lead to developing joint activity in the field of application of space technologies for the benefit of humanity.