How can India contribute to the debate on ownership and use of resources on the Moon?

India, as an emerging space power and a responsible member of the international community, has a significant role to play in shaping the debate on the ownership and use of lunar resources. With its successful lunar missions like Chandrayaan, India has demonstrated technical capability and a commitment to peaceful space exploration. India’s unique position allows it to advocate for a fair and equitable framework for lunar resource utilization.

• Promotion of Peaceful Uses: India can uphold the principle of using outer space, including the Moon, for peaceful purposes, as enshrined in the Outer Space Treaty (OST) of 1967.
• Equitable Access: India can advocate for the equitable sharing of lunar resources, ensuring that benefits are not limited to a few technologically advanced nations but are accessible to all humanity.
• International Cooperation: India can stress the importance of multilateral cooperation and collective decision-making through forums like the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS).
• Respect for Treaties: India can emphasize the importance of adhering to existing international treaties, such as the OST and the Moon Agreement, while also working towards updating these frameworks to address new challenges.
• Science and Sustainability: India can promote the use of lunar resources for scientific advancement and sustainable development, rather than for commercial exploitation alone.
• Ethical and Inclusive Approach: India can bring its values of inclusivity and ethical responsibility, advocating for frameworks that prevent monopolization and ensure the Moon’s resources are used for the collective good.
• Capacity Building: India can support capacity building for developing countries, helping to bridge the technological divide and enabling wider participation in lunar exploration.