Norway: Indian MPs briefed on role of satellite technology in maritime security
Oslo, June 6
An Indian parliamentary delegation visited Kongsberg Satellite Services in Tromso on Saturday as part of their Knowledge Exchange Tour organised by the Royal Norwegian Embassy and the UN Women India.
"I had the opportunity to visit Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT), a global leader in satellite-based maritime monitoring and surveillance, as part of the Indian Parliamentary Delegation Knowledge Exchange Tour organised by the Royal Norwegian Embassy and UN Women India," Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra, who is also part of the Indian parliament delegation, wrote on X.
Patra noted that the discussions provided valuable insights into the transformative role of satellite technology in maritime security, sustainable ocean management, and environmental monitoring.
"It was particularly encouraging to learn about innovative approaches that harness space-based data to address pressing global challenges and support evidence-based policymaking. The interaction also highlighted the immense potential for strengthening Norway-India cooperation in the fields of space technology, climate resilience, and sustainable development," said Patra.
The delegation also visited the Fram Centre in Norway and discussed climate change, Arctic governance and sustainable polar management with the Research Director at the Norwegian Polar Institute.
"Honoured to visit the Fram Centre as part of the Indian Parliamentary Delegation Knowledge Exchange Tour, organised by the Norwegian Embassy in New Delhi and UN Women India."
"We met with Dr. Nalan Koc, Research Director at the Norwegian Polar Institute, to discuss climate change, Arctic governance and sustainable polar management. Protecting these ecosystems is a shared global responsibility and it's inspiring to see science leading the way," he added.
According to another Member of Parliament, Sribharat Mathukumilli, the delegation visited Polaria to better understand Arctic ecosystems and climate challenges and interacted with the Arctic Council on regional cooperation and sustainability.
They later engaged with the Norwegian Seafood Council at Kystens Hus to learn about sustainable fisheries, innovation, and global seafood markets.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Impressive that the delegation visited Kongsberg and Fram Centre. Arctic governance and climate resilience are critical topics. We Indians often focus only on domestic issues, but we must engage globally on polar research too. Plus, the UN Women India angle is great - gender equity in these fields matters.
Satellite monitoring for maritime security is a double-edged sword. While KSAT's tech is great, Norway is also part of NATO and shares data with Western allies. India must ensure our sovereignty and data privacy are protected when collaborating. Hope our MPs asked tough questions about this.
Having worked in satellite tech, I can say KSAT is top-notch. Their ground stations in Svalbard give unique coverage. India's own NavIC system and ISRO are strong, but Norway's expertise in Arctic radar and ship detection could complement our capabilities. This is smart diplomacy.
All this is well and good, but what about the cost of these 'knowledge exchange' tours? With India's budget constraints, I hope it's not just a junket for MPs. That said, the focus on sustainable seafood and Arctic research is genuinely useful. Let's see what policies come out of it.
This is a brilliant initiative! Norway-India cooperation in space tech and climate resilience is exactly what we need. With melting Arctic ice opening new shipping routes, India must be at the table. And including UN Women makes it more inclusive. Kudos to the MPs for going 👏
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