The Memorandum of Understanding MoU signed between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Bolivian Space Agency (ABE) would lead to develop a joint activity in the field of application of space technologies for the benefit of humanity. Thus, all sections and regions of the country will get benefited.
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently given its ex-post facto approval to the MoU signed between India and Bolivia on Cooperation in the Exploration and Uses of Outer Space for Peaceful Purposes. The MoU was signed between the ISRO and the ABE on March 29,2019 at Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia during the visit of President of India to Bolivia.
This MoU will enable the potential interest areas of cooperation such as, space science, technology and applications including remote sensing of the earth; satellite communication and satellite based navigation; Space science and planetary exploration; use of spacecraft and space systems and ground system; and application of space technology. This MoU would also lead to setup a Joint Working Group, drawing members from ISRO and the ABE, which will further work out the plan of action including the time-frame and the means of implementing this MoU.
The signed MoU would lead to concluding specific implementing Arrangement and setting up of Joint Working Group, to work out the plan of action including the time-frame and the means of implementing this MoU.
It will provide impetus to explore newer research activities and application possibilities in the field of remote sensing of the earth; satellite communication; satellite navigation; space science and planetary exploration. The financial contribution with respect to each specific activity would depend on the nature of Joint activity and will be detailed in corresponding Implementing Agreements (Arrangements) / Contracts.
The ABE, in a letter to Indian Ambassador to Bolivia in December 2016, had expressed interest to establish space cooperation with ISRO. As a follow-up, ISRO hosted two-member delegation on June 05-06, 2017 and discussed on potential cooperation in Earth Observation and Satellite Communication. ABE delegation also visited ISRO’s Technical facilities at Bengaluru. Bolivian side expressed strong interest to pursue space cooperation with India and the Indian Ambassador to Bolivia has requested ISRO to send a standard draft on space cooperation, that could be shared with Bolivian side.
Considering the importance of this request, Agency-level draft MoU for India-Bolivia space cooperation was shared to Bolivian side, with the approval of Chairman, ISRO/ Secretary, DOS. Subsequently, Bolivian side has given its concurrence and both sides have arrived at mutually agreed version for signing.
