The Bhutanese government has signed an agreement with India’s space agency to jointly develop a small satellite. Under the Implementing Arrangement (IA), Bhutan’s Ministry of Information and Communications (MoIC) will be assisted by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).  The agreement was signed virtually last week by Jigme Tenzing, the head of the Department of Information Technology and Telecom (DITT),  and R Umamaheshwaram, the Scientific Secretary of ISRO. 

The agreement came after both nations signed an MoU in November last year for Collaboration in Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. Bhutanese engineers will travel to India in October for the development of satellite, said Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj.

“We are indeed honored to share our learnings, and experience striving for excellence with Bhutan.” Capacity building, knowledge sharing, and technical training are also in heart of this project,” Ambassador Kamboj was quoted as saying by Kuensel. 

She further said that the agreement captured the spirits of friendship enjoyed by India and Bhutan, and implementing arrangement significantly reflected upon resolving opening new chapters of cooperation between the two nations.

Bhutan’s Foreign Secretary Pema Choden, Bhutan’s Ambassador to India Major General Vetsop Namgyel, Indian Ambassador to Bhutan Ruchira Kamboj were those present during the virtual signing ceremony. 

Bhutanese Minister Karma Donnen Wangdi said Bhutan will use space-related activities to create a greater sense of interest and passion in students for science, technology, and innovation to help elevate Bhutan’s space ambitions to great heights.

 (SAM)