Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Singapore Approach India Seeking Space Collaborations

Following the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3's lander module on Aug 23, at least three countries — Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and Singapore — have approached India for possible space collaborations.

Saudi Arabia appeared eager to move quickly in the area, with the issue expected to be discussed on the sidelines of the G20 leaders' meeting in the capital, according to government officials. Similarly, South Korea is particularly interested in learning about India's low-cost missions and the ISRO's turnaround in landing on the previously uncharted south pole of the moon.

Commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal confirmed that a few countries have approached India but refused to comment further. “It (the landing) will unlock new avenues of scientific discovery, shaping the future of lunar research and India will now contribute in a big way to the world’s space community,” Goyal said.

So far, the discussions have been preliminary, and more focused discussions, particularly with Saudi Arabia, are expected in the coming weeks. The landing, which coincided with the arrival of trade ministers from more than a dozen countries in the Pink City, has been a major talking point at the G20 meeting.

"Landing on the southern side of the moon is something no other country has done before... that's a testament to the place India is taking in the world, just how advanced technology skills are becoming just the bright future that this country has," said Kemi Badenoch, UK secretary of state for international trade.