India launched a communications satellite for the benefit of the South Asian region. The satellite will be made use of by almost all nearby countries except Pakistan. The launch is part of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s plan to increase ties with neighboring countries.
The Indian Prime Minister spoke about his goals, “Today is a historic day for South Asia-a day without precedence. Two years ago, India made a promise, a promise to extend the advanced space technology for the cause of growth and prosperity of our brothers and sisters in South Asia.”
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives have signed up to use the satellite. Pakistan was invited, but declined.
The satellite will provide television services, communications technology for bank ATMs, and e-governance, and possible cellular network use. The satellite is also meant to counter dependence on Chinese infrastructure involvement in the region.
