(a) whether India is developing a satellite tracking and imaging centre in Vietnam;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether India will allow Vietnam to access pictures and data from this centre, if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether any safeguards are being undertaken to ensure that Indian data is not accessed by other countries and if so, the details thereof; and
(e) if not, the reasons and consequences thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PG & PENSIONS AND IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE
(DR. JITENDRA SINGH):
(a)&(b) As part of Space Cooperation between India and Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), at the behest of Government of India, is working towards the establishment of a Satellite Tracking & Data Reception Station and Data Processing Facility in Vietnam for ASEAN Member countries. This facility is intended to acquire and process Indian Remote Sensing Satellite data pertaining to ASEAN region and disseminate to ASEAN Member countries.
(c) Yes Madam. Under this initiative, all ASEAN member countries, including Vietnam will be allowed to access processed remote sensing data pertaining to their country.
(d) Yes Madam. Ground facility is designed in such a way that it will not allow Indian data to be accessed and processed by the system.
(e) Does not arise.
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