Space Orbits of the Russian – Indian Friendship

The Peninsula Foundation together with the Russian House in Chennai is celebrating the 64th anniversary of Sputnik, the Earth’s first artificial satellite.

Event Brief:

Russian Centre of Science and Culture, Chennai in association with  The Peninsula Foundation (TPF) organized a virtual session under the thematic title “Space Orbits of the Russian-Indian Friendship” on October 26, 2021. The virtual event was held to commemorate the 64th anniversary of the Russian space mission “Sputnik”. India’s first Cosmonaut Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma (retired) and Dr. Ivan Danilin, Head of Science and Innovation, IMEMO, Moscow were invited to share their expertise and experience with the curious audience who joined via Zoom. Air Marshal M Matheswaran AVSM VM PhD (Retd), Chairman and President of TPF moderated the discussion and the Russian Consul General in Chennai Oleg N. Avdeev wrapped up the event with concluding remarks.

Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma (Retd) began the discussion paying tribute to the historical figures who shaped Russia’s space missions. He opined that  India and Russia have always supported the peaceful usage of Space and related technology and the outer space treaty is followed by all the countries.

In his perspective, human settlement on the moon is not just a scientific exploration but also a civic interest.

“Humans are fed up with issues like conflict, religion, corruption and terrorism. We are not just going to Space for scientific exploration but the exploration of resources for our future.  India and Russia can work more closely to create an outer space exploration initiative,” Sharma asserted.

“We need non-politicial leaders who have the vision for tomorrow,” he remarked.

Sharma, an Indian Air Force-officer-turn-cosmonaut also discussed the Outer Space treaty in brief and the role of the UN on Space exploration.

Dr. Ivan Danilin, Head of Science and Innovation, IMEMO, Moscow agreed and appreciated the observations and points raised by  Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma. He expressed the concerns emanating from the commercialization of Space.

“Privatization of Space station will have ill-effects. Space is the natural property and belongs to Humans, not to private enterprises.”

He emphasized the necessity of commercial interests of India,  Russian and other European agencies.

The discussants during the webinar raised the issue of Track 2 kind of dialogue for engaging citizens of both countries.

Dr. Ivan Danilin explained various geo-political challenges involved in Space missions and conflicts of interest.

Dr. Danilin sought the attention of the policy makers of India and Russian, leaving three suggestions:

1. Creation of Multilateral Space Station like ISS (International Space Station)
2. Commercialization of Outer Space
3. Creation of International Science & Education Centre.

Russian Consul General in Chennai Oleg N.Avdeev remarked, “Sky is not the limit.” He addressed the virtual assembly and opined on the potential of bilateral collaboration of India and Russia in the Space Mission. He expressed his gratitude to The Peninsula Foundation for collaborating and co-hosting the event.