Eyeing the moon

India and the US today agreed to further ties in civilian space initiatives, including exploration and satellite navigation. The US also supported India's ambitious mission to the moon.

Agreements that will permit US satellites and satellites with US components to be launched by Indian space launch vehicles were signed as part of the Indo-US joint statement.

Cooperation in civilian space initiatives is a significant aspect of the emerging technological and strategic cooperation between the two nations.

India welcomed the inclusion of US instruments in the Indian lunar mission Chandrayan-I saying that agreements to be inked between ISRO and NASA would be significant steps forward.

The joint statement mentions that efforts will be made towards opening up new opportunities for commercial space ventures between India and the US.

The two countries have agreed to collaborate to promote industrial research and development, it says, adding that India and the US will jointly fund the establishment of a bi-national science and technology commission that will help build knowledge partnerships.

The two allies will jointly promote innovation, creativity and technological advancement by providing a vibrant intellectual property rights regime, the statement says.

The two nations will also work together on capacity-building activities, human resource development and public awareness programmes, it adds.