Neighbourhood First

Isro's latest launch shows India exercising its soft power

In terms of technology, the South Asia Communication Satellite, GSAT-9, launched last Friday, does not break much new ground. But it indicates that indigenous cryogenic technology has stabilised. The 2,230 kg satellite will provide services across domains such as communications, disaster relief, weather forecasting and the monitoring of marine traffic. But more than technical prowess, it is an excellent example of India exercising its soft power. By extending services gratis to neighbouring nations, India gains brownie points. Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan will benefit from its deployment; reportedly, talks are on with Afghanistan as well on terms