Indian Astropolitics and South Asian Security: A Deep Strategic Culture Perspective

Abstract

Outer Space has become a realm of competition since Sputnik-1, with states incorporating space technologies into their broader security and military doctrines. Space has become (is) the final (significant) frontier in South Asia, where a fragile balance of power prevails between the nuclear states. This paper explores Indian astropolitics through the lens of its deep strategic culture and its implications for South Asian stability and security. Rajesh Basrur’s conceptualization of deep strategic culture has two elements, strategic autonomy and the pursuit of status, that drive its expanding military use of outer space. This is evident from the development of dual-use technologies for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), early warning systems, and precision-strike capabilities. Moreover, dedicated spy satellites, enhanced space situational awareness, and the 2019 anti-satellite (ASAT) test demonstrate India’s space militarization. India’s selective engagement in international space frameworks and multi-alignment strategy further reinforces its pursuit of autonomy and global recognition. This paper finds that India’s growing reliance on space-enabled military capabilities poses serious challenges to strategic stability in South Asia. Space-based surveillance and targeting systems enhance counterforce and pre-emptive strike options, give operational warfighting advantages, threaten Pakistan’s space assets, and undermine deterrence. The study concludes that Indian astropolitics, shaped by deep strategic culture rather than short-term threat perceptions, has the potential to disturb the regional peace and intensify security rivalry in South Asia. In response, Pakistan must develop a comprehensive national space security strategy, strengthen indigenous space capabilities, pursue selective space cooperation, and continue supporting the peaceful use of outer space at international forums.