India offers to launch Saudi Arabia satellites

[Justin Joseph]

India offers to launch Saudi Arabia satellites

Huma Siddiqui
Posted: Saturday, Mar 06, 2010 at 0046 hrs IST

New Delhi: In one of the initiatives to strengthen economic ties with Saudi Arabia, India has offered to launch commercial satellites for the Kingdom.

According to officials, “Under an MoU between the two countries for cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space, Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) marketing arm Antrix Corp is shortly going to start discussions with the Kingdom for launching their satellites. We are ready to launch their satellites as that is a commercial viable for ISRO.”

Addressing the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry during his recent visit to the country, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had invited Saudi entrepreneurs and investors to explore opportunities in India, especially in construction, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, health, agriculture, energy, telecommunications, biotechnology, tourism and other service sectors.

The trading relationship between Saudi Arabia and India is among the most strategic bilateral bonds for either country. As India’s largest supplier of crude oil, Saudi Arabia is favourably positioned to benefit from burgeoning demand for energy in Asia’s third-largest economy, set to experience annual economic growth rate of 7-8 % for the foreseeable future.

“Indian economy is doing well despite the meltdown. Investors from the Gulf region prefer India as an investment destination as the market is not only huge but also safe and is mutually beneficial,” explained officials.

While trade volumes between Saudi Arabia and India have risen quickly in recent years, export and import flows have centered in on a limited number of goods. The Kingdom mainly exports crude oil (and some petrochemicals) to India while its main imports are spices, used largely to meet the consumption demands of its large Indian expatriate population. More than 220 Indian companies received licenses to set up full-owned or joint-venture projects in Saudi Arabia in the past two years, according to the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA).

India offers to launch Saudi Arabia satellites

 

[Jade]

It is great for ISRO. ISRO is emerging as a player to reckon with in the commercial launch market, which is so far has been dominated by the French, Russians and the Americans, with the Chinese emerging as a new player. Lower costs coupled with good technical knowhow should help ISRO capture at least 10% of commercial launch market by 2020. Another point to ponder is how ISRO can get most out of its partnership with Arianespace

 

[Kinetic]

Its just business! We should build satellite for them as well. Technical sale to the Arab states is of great profit. We have matured and cheapest space industry.

 

[rajgoynar]

congratulation ISRO

 

[Avatar]

ISRO has made the nation proud by its fascinating achievements. Growth of ISRO will also help bring home Indian scientists who did not find relevant opportunities in India and were forced to work abroad.

If I'm right, yesterday they tested the "Oxygen Breathing" rocket technology and tomorrow another test is scheduled.


Bravo ISRO

 

[Dark Angel]

well ISRO is one of the most cheapest players in the market in relation to sat launches and this will be a positive factor in the near future as the prices are ever going up .................cheers

 

[manglasiva]

Good move ISRO....few eye brows will be raised in international cut throat space launch circles..becoze Indian space launchers are the most efficient (cheapest)

 

[Hulk]

As I read it is only offer, so nothing big, when it becomes a deal will cheer. ISRO is doing good job for sure.

 

[riju78]

WELL DONE ISRO..........JAI HIND

 

[ameer219]

Congratulations ISRO

 

[jbond197]

Indeed a very good step.. Today I am a proud Indian seeing my country and country's organisations progressing and building bridges in relations with almost all countries except a countable few in the world..

A big salute to ISRO scientists!! JAI HIND!!!!

 

[Super Falcon]

indian and isreali growing relations saudis willl reject this

 

[xebex]

indian and isreali growing relations saudis willl reject this

Dude u dont understand. World is revolving around an axis called money. Those who failed to understand this basic fact gunna have hardtime forward. Now, good luck with your hypothesis.

 

[DMLA]

indian and isreali growing relations saudis willl reject this

With US and India getting closer by the day, shouldn't Pakistan reject USA?

Bottom-line, It is all about $$$