For widespread implementation of NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) on handheld devices nationwide, the Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has emphasized the crucial importance of bolstering positioning, navigating, and timing (PNT) technologies in India.
Speaking at the Catalyst and Indian Defence Conclave 2023 organised by defence and strategic affairs news portal, Bharat Shakti, Dr S Somnath highlighted the necessity for developing advanced technologies in the space sector, an arena already seeing contributions from around 200-300 companies, many of which have carved out their unique niches.
ISRO Chairman underlined the rising significance of private sector enterprises and start-ups, particularly in the fields of communications and PNT services. He stressed that the “strategic capabilities of communications infrastructure” cannot be overstated. This assertion is relevant given recent reports indicating that several Indian smartphone manufacturers, including Lava and Bhagwati (Micromax), are facing challenges in meeting their incremental targets under the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for the third consecutive year in FY24.
These reports hint at the possibility of Indian smartphone manufacturers seeking an extension of the PLI scheme until FY26. Conversely, global iPhone manufacturers like FoxConn (Hon Hai), Wistron, and Samsung have consistently met their targets. Additionally, Pegatron, another iPhone manufacturer in India, is likely to meet its targets for FY24.
In the context of space-based technology development, Somnath highlighted the vibrancy of India’s space economy. And also highlighted the government’s commitment to strengthening private partnerships in the strategic sector.
In attendance at the event were eminent figures including Ajay Kumar Sood, the Principal Scientific Advisor to the government; P S Raghavan, Chairman of the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB); and Nivriti Rai, MD & CEO of Invest India. Organized by Bharat Shakti, the program featured knowledge sessions, with one focusing on the ‘Utilization of New and Emerging Technologies for Civil and Military Domains.’
Ajay Kumar Sood, the Principal Scientific Advisor to the government, echoed this sentiment, asserting that technology plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between the civil and military sectors dedicated to the country’s security.
Furthermore, Sood mentioned the focus of the Centre’s Anusandhan Research Foundation on fostering synergy between various ministries, organizations, and funding agencies. This collaborative approach aims to enable the government to engage with partners from industry and academia through a unified framework.