India Was Denied Access To Technology In The Past, Moon Landing Changes That Permanently: Former ISRO Chief Kasturirangan

Former ISRO chairman K Kasturirangan has said that Chandrayaan-3's landing on the Moon demonstrates India's position at the forefront of space technologies, ensuring that the country will no longer be denied access to such advancements as it has been in the past.

Kasturirangan, who was instrumental in planning the Moon missions during his tenure as ISRO chairman, emphasised the increasing importance of space capabilities in international affairs.

With the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3, India will secure its role in all decision-making processes concerning space-related matters.

In an interview with The Indian Express, Kasturirangan highlighted the significance of India's landing capability on the Moon.

He stated that this accomplishment places India at the forefront of space technology and guarantees its involvement in future planetary explorations and resource extraction from space.

"We are naturally part of the club that formulates these future policies,” Kasturirangan said.

“This is significant, because in the past we have suffered by being kept out of such clubs. We have been denied access to technology - in atomic energy, in space, and other critical areas. We were kept out because we did not have our own capabilities and were, in some ways, dependent. The Moon landing changes that permanently,” he said.

Space capabilities will play a crucial role in shaping international relations in the 21st century he said.

"The important thing is that we should be able to participate and contribute on equal terms… and play a more decisive role in space-related international decision-making processes. Chandrayaan-3 gives us the confidence and the capability,” Kasturirangan said.

In the 21st century, deep space explorations will be a significant focus, and India is well-positioned to make a key contribution, according to the former ISRO chairman.

As one of the few countries to successfully land on the moon, particularly in challenging polar regions, India "must become an active participant in this endeavour".