“Under the amended FDI policy, 100% FDI is allowed in space sector,” a press release said.
The Union Cabinet approved the amendment in the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy on space sector on Wednesday. As per a press release by the government, the satellites sub-sector has now been divided into three different activities “with defined limits for foreign investment in each such sector”.
The decision was taken at the Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“Under the amended FDI policy, 100% FDI is allowed in space sector. The liberalized entry routes under the amended policy are aimed to attract potential investors to invest in Indian companies in space,” the government said in its press release.
The entry route under the amended policy are as follows:
> Upto 74% FDI under Automatic route: Satellites-Manufacturing & Operation, Satellite Data Products and Ground Segment & User Segment. Beyond 74% these activities are under government route.
> Upto 49% under Automatic route: Launch Vehicles and associated systems or subsystems, Creation of Spaceports for launching and receiving Spacecraft. Beyond 49% these activities are under government route.
> Upto 100% under Automatic route: Manufacturing of components and systems/ sub-systems for satellites, ground segment and user segment.
As per the existing FDI policy, FDI is permitted in establishment and operation of Satellites through the Government approval route only. “In line with the vision and strategy under the Indian Space Policy 2023, the Union Cabinet has eased the FDI policy on Space sector by prescribing liberalised FDI thresholds for various sub-sectors/activities,” the press release said.
It added that the Department of Space consulted with internal stakeholders like IN-SPACe, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) as well as several industrial stakeholders.
“Non-Government Entities (NGEs) have developed capabilities and expertise in the areas of satellites and launch vehicles. With increased investment, they would be able to achieve sophistication of products, global scale of operations and enhanced share of global space economy,” the government said.
The government said the proposed reforms seek to liberalise the FDI policy provisions in space sector by prescribing liberalized entry route and providing clarity for FDI in Satellites, Launch Vehicles and associated systems or subsystems, Creation of Spaceports for launching and receiving Spacecraft and manufacturing of space related components and systems.
The Indian Space Policy 2023 was notified as an overarching, composite and dynamic framework to implement the vision for unlocking India’s potential in Space sector through enhanced private participation.
The said policy aimed to augment space capabilities; develop a flourishing commercial presence in space; use space as a driver of technology development and derived benefits in allied areas; pursue international relations and create an ecosystem for effective implementation of space applications among all stakeholders, the press released added.
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