India notifies amendments to foreign direct investment policy in space sector


NEW DELHI: India yesterday notified amendments to its foreign direct investment policy in the space sector to allow 100 percent inflow of external funds in three categories of manufacturing.

The three categories are components and systems or sub-systems for satellites, ground segment and user segment.

Without any prior government approval, 100 percent foreign direct investment in these business activities will henceforth be allowed.

India’s Cabinet had approved the liberalisation in February, but a notification in the Government Gazette was required for the changes to take effect.

The notification came ahead of major announcements by foreign entities scheduled for next week in India’s space sector.

‘Ground segment’ is a technical term for earth stations, including gateways, teleports, satellite telemetry, tracking and command stations.

‘User segment’ stands for terminals for communicating with satellites, which are not covered by definitions of ground segment.

Source: Emirates News Agency